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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 






A 




(oHRISTIA^ 0ATECHISM, 



THAT IS THE 



Order and Plan of Salvation, 



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH SCRIP 
TURE PROOF TEXTS, 



DESIGNED FOR THE USE OF 



FAMILIES, SUNDAY SCHOOLS, THEOLOGICAL 
STUDENTS AND PASTORS, 



rP 



PREPARED/AND EDITED BY 

REV. P." ANSTADT, D. D., 



EDITOR OF THE TEACHERS JOURNAL CHRISTIAN S GUIDE, 
BIBLE WINES, &C, &C. 



YORK, PA 

P. ANSTADT 
1890. 




THE LIBRARY 
** COMOREMj 

WASHIKGTOlf 



*$*, 



^ 



(\t» 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1890, by 

REV. P ANSTADT, D. D , 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



PREFACE. 

Three thousand years ago Solomon wrote, " Of mak- 
ing many books there is no end." Had he lived in 
our day he would perhaps have been a little more 
specific, and written, "Of making many catechisms 
there is no end." 

"What! Another new catechism," methinks I hear 
one exclaiming, as he picks up this little manual. 
"Have we not catechisms in superabundance? Every 
denomination in the land at work on catechisms ! 
Some revising and reprinting their old ones, and others 
who never had a catechism before and who formerly 
ridiculed the use of them, now making and printing 
new ones for themselves ! And here comes another! 
diverse from all the rest. What does all this mean, 
and whither does it tend ? " Be not alarmed, gentle 
reader, it means a more systematic study of God's 
truth. 

This little catechism is not intended to supplant any 
other one that is now in use, or that is in a state of 
preparation. We began this work with the object of 
refreshing and systemizing our own studies in Didac- 
tic Theology, and this little booklet is the result. 



IV PREFACE. 

Then we resolved to publish it and give others also 
the benefit of our labors, if they desired them. 

This little book is not designed for very small chil- 
dren, whose minds are not sufficiently trained to grasp 
profound abstract truths. But we offer it to 

1 . Heads of families who wish to have an outline 
of a complete system of Theology for the instruction 
of their households. 

2. Superintendents and teachers of Sunday Schools 
or intelligent laymen who desire to have the doctrines 
of God's Word presented in a systematic order. 

3. Students of Theology and pastors of churches 
who desire a simple review and outline of their theo- 
logical studies in the briefest possible space. 

If our little manual can afford any help to the above 
three classes we shall consider ourselves amply com- 
pensated. 

Friendly criticisms, pointing out errors, or suggest- 
ing improvements will be thankfully appreciated by 

P. A. 
York, Pa., January, 1889. 



INTRODUCTORY. 

1 . What is meant by religion in general? 
A knowledge of God, and a particular 

manner of worshiping him. 

2. How many principal religions exist 
in the world'? 

Four: the Heathen, the Mohamedan, 
the Jewish, and the Christian, which is 
the true religion. 

• j. What is the character of the Heathen 
religion ? 

The Heathen have no knowledge of 
the true God ; but they worship images 
or idols as gods, made by their own 
hands. 

4. What is peculiar about the Moham- 
edan religion ? 

They teach that there is but one God, 



VI IRTRODUCTION. 

and that Mohamed is his prophet Mo- 
hamed was a false prophet, who lived 
about 300 years after Christ. He pre- 
tended to have visions from heaven, 
which he recorded in a book, called The 
Koran, which the Mohamedans regard 
as their Bible. It contains many false 
doctrines and ridiculous stories. 

5 . How did Mohamed propagate his 
religion ? 

He collected an army, invaded differ- 
ent countries, and compelled the people 
to adopt his religion. Those who would 
not accept the religion of the Koran 
were put to death. 

6, What is the character of the Jewish 
religion ? 

The Jews believe in the one true God, 
and their doctrines and forms of worship 
are laid down in the Old Testament 
Scriptures. Their worship consisted 






INTRODUCTION. Vll 

largely of ceremonies and sacrifices, 
which were types of the promised Mes- 
siah, or Christ, but whom they rejected 
and crucified. 

7. Why is the Jewish not the' true relig- 
ion now? 

Because all the types of the Old Tes- 
tament were fulfilled in Christ, and there- 
fore those types have passed away and 
the ceremonies connected with them 
should no longer be observed. 

8. Whence do Christians derive their 
knowledge of God and religion ? 

From the whole Bible, or Word of 
God, but chiefly from the New Testa- 
ment. 

9. What does the Word of God teach us? 
The Word of God teaches us what we 

are to believe, to experience, and to do, 
in order to live properly and to die happy. 



CHAPTER I. 

Of God and His Attributes. 

1. What is a Christian Catechism? 

A Christian Catechism is a short, sys- 
tematic statement of the doctrines of the 
Bible, or Word of God. 

2. Whereof do the doctrines of our 
Christian religion treat ? 

The doctrines of our holy religion treat 
i. Of God; 

2. Of Angels; 

3. Of Man, or the Human Race. 

3. Why do we begin ivith the doctrine 
of God? 

Because he is our Creator and the 
author of our salvation. 

Eph. ii. 8. By grace ye are saved, through faith ; 
and that not of yourselves . It is the gift of God. 



CATECHISM. 9 

^. Wherein does our salvation consist? 
Our salvation consists in communion 

with God, whereby we are received into 

fellowship with him, and made partakers 

of the gifts of his grace. 

Psalm lxxiii. 25. Whom have I in heaven, but 
thee ? and there is none upon earth, that I desire be- 
side thee. 

I John i. 3. Truly our fellowship is with the 
Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. 

5 . When are we in fellowship zvith God? 
We are in fellowship with God, when 

we love what he loves and hate what he 
hates. 

I Cor. vi. 17. He that is joined unto the Lord is 
one spirit. 

6. How would you define God ? 

God is the chief good and the most 
perfect being, who is self-existent, and 
from whom all creatures have received 

their being and preservation. 

Matt. xix. 17. There is none good but one, that is 
God. 

Acts xvii. 25, 26. He giveth to all life, and breath, 
and all things. And hath made of one blood all 
nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth. 



IO A CHRISTIAN 

7. How do zve gain the knowledge of 
God? 

We gain the knowledge of God in 

three ways; namely, 

1. Externally; 

2. Internally; 

3. By Revelation. 

8. Whence do we gain the knowledge of 
God externally ? 

We derive the knowledge of God ex- 
ternally (though imperfectly) from his 
works of creation. 

Rom. i. 20. For the invisible things of him from 
the creation of the world are clearly seen, being un- 
derstood by the things that are made, even his eternal 
power and Godhead ; so that they are without excuse. 

9. How do zve gain the knowledge of 
God internally ? 

We gain the knowledge of God inter- 
nally through our conscience, which is a 
divine witness within us, whether our 

actions are good or bad. 

Rom. ii. 15. Their conscience also bearing wit- 
ness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or 
excusing: one another. 



CATECHISM. I I- 

10. Whence do we chiefly gain our 
knowledge of God? 

We gain our knowledge of God 

chiefly from the Bible, or Holy Scrip- 
tures, also called the Word of God, 
which teaches us what God is, and how 

we should serve him. 

2 Tim. iii. 15, 16. The Holy Scriptures are able 
to make them wise unto salvation. All Scripture is 
given by inspiration of God. 

John iv. 24. God is a spirit, and they that worship 
him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 

1 1 . How do the Scriptures describe God 
in general ? 

The Scriptures describe God as to his 
ineffable glory. His glory is compre- 
hended in his exalted goodness and his 
infinite attributes, which can never be 
fully comprehended by his creatures. 

1 Chron. xxix. II. Thine, O Lord, is the great- 
ness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory,, 
and the majesty. 

1 Kings viii. 27. Behold the heaven and the 
heaven of heavens can not contain thee. 

Psa. xxxvi. 6. Thy righteousness is like the great 
mountains, thy judgments are a great deep. 



12 A CHRISTIAN 

12. How do the Scriptures describe 
God's glory in particular ? 

The Scriptures describe God's glory 
in particular: 

1. According to his being ; 

2. According to his nature founded on 
his being ; 

3. According to his conduct towards 
his creatures, whereby his glorious at- 
tributes are revealed. 

The Divine Attributes. 

13. What is God according to his be- 
ing ? 

According to his being God is a Living 
Spirit, possessing intelligence and will. 

14. With zvhat attributes is he therefore 
endowed ? 

The following are some of his attri- 
butes : 

1. Infinite knowledge, or Omniscience; 

2. Infinite Wisdom ; 



CATECHISM. 13 

3. Infinite Holiness, and freedom of 

will; 

4. Infinite power (Omnipotence), and 

5. Eternal Life, which he has in him- 
self. John v. 26.. 

15. What is meant by the Omniscience 

of God? 

By the Omniscience of God is meant, 

that he knows and sees all things. 

1 John iii. 20. God is greater than our hearts, and 
knoweth all things. 

Psalm cxxxix. O Lord, thou hast searched me, 
and known me, Thou knowest my downsitting and 
mine uprising, thou understand est my thoughts afar 
off. Thou compassest my path, and my lying down, 
and art acquainted with all my ways For there is 
not a word in my tongue, but thou, O Lord, knowest 
it altogether, etc. 

16. What is understood by God's Infin- 
ite Wisdom ? 

By the wisdom of God we mean, that 
he always selects the best means to se- 
cure the best ends, and knows what to 
do under all circumstances. 

Gen. 1. 20. Ye thought evil against me, but God 



14 A CHRISTIAN 

meant it unto good, to bring it to pass, as it is this 
day, to save much people alive. 

1 7. What is understood by the Holiness 
and Free Will of God? 

By the Holiness and Free Will of 
God we mean, that he loves that which 
is good and hates that which is evil ; 
and this he does of his own free will, 
without compulsion. 

Psalms v. 5. The foolish shall not stand in thy 
sight : thou hatest all workers of iniquity. 

1 Pet. i. 16. Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

Dan. iv. 32. The Most High ruleth in the king- 
dom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 

1 8. What is meant by God's power and 
life which he has in himself? (John v. 26) 

By the power of God is meant, 
U That God is self-existent, having 
the cause of his existence in himself. 

John v. 26. For the Father hath life in himself, 
and hath given to the Son to have life in himself. 

2. That God is almighty ; he can do 
what he pleases, and is the only poten- 
tate. 



CATECHISM. 1 5 

Psalm cxv. 3. God is in heaven ; he hath done 
whatsoever he pleased. 

Isa. xlv. 5. I am the Lord and there is none 
else, there is no God beside me. 

3. That God is Omnipresent; that is, 
he is every where present and active. 

Acts xvii. 27. The Lord is not far from 

every one of us. 

John v. 17. My Father worketh hitherto, and I 
work. 

19. How do the Scriptures describe 
God according to his glorious nature 
founded on his being ? 

The Scriptures describe God as 

1. Infinitely happy, having his highest 
enjoyment in himself. 

Psalm xvi. 11. In thy presence is fullness of joy; 
at thy right hand there are pleasures for ever more. 

2. Unchangeable; that is, he always re- 
mains the same, from eternity to eternity. 

James i. 17. The Father of lights, with whom is 
no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 

3. Eternal ; that is, he had no begin- 
ning, and will have no end. 

Psalm xc 2, Before the mountains were brought 



1 6 A CHRISTIAN 

forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the 
world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou 
art God. 

Rev. i. 8. I am Alpha and Omega, the begin- 
ning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and 
which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. 

20. How do the Scriptures describe God 
in his dealings with us and all his crea- 
tures in general f 

In general the Scriptures declare, that 
it is God's will that all should be saved. 

Isa. xlv. 22. Look unto me and be ye saved, all 
the ends of the earth ; for I am God, and there is 
none else. 

2 1 . How does God shozv this particu- 
larly? 

God shows his gracious will toward us 

1. In his Word, and 

2. In his Works. 

22. How does God declare his will in 
his Word? 

Most truthfully, where he speaks as he 
means, both in his promises and his 
threatnings. 

Num. xxiii. 19. God is not a man, that he should 



CATECHISM. 17 

lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent : 
hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he 
spoken, and shall he not make it good ? 

23. How does God reveal himself in his 

works ? 

God reveals himself in his works as 

1. Just; 

2. Faithful ; and 

3. Benevolent. 

24. How does God display his justice ? 
God displays his justice in that he re- 
wards the good and punishes the evil. 

Rom. ii 6. Who will render to every man ac- 
cording to his deeds. 

Psalm vii 11,12. God judgeth the righteous, 
and God is angry with the wicked every day. If 
he turn not, he will whet his sword, he hath bent 
his bow and made it ready. 

25. How does God display his faithful- 
ness ? 

God displays his faithfulness by show- 
ing himself to be a covenant keeping 
God, who will always do according to 
his word, and fulfill his promise toward 
those who love him. 



1 8 A CHRISTIAN 

Deut. vii 9 Know therefore that the Lord thy 
God, he is God, the faithful God, who keepeth cov- 
enant and mercy with them that love him and keep 
his commandments to a thousand generations. 

Heb. x. 23. He is faithful that promised. 

1 Cor. x. 13. God is faithful. 

26. Hozv does God display his benevo- 
lence? 

God displays his benevolence in that 
he rejoices over our welfare, which in his 
goodness he also promotes; and all this 
he does out of free grace and without 
our desert; according to his mercy he 
delivers us out of our troubles, and ac- 
cording to his patience he spares us in 
hope of our reformation. 

Prov. viii. 17. I love them that love me ; and 
those that seek me early shall find me. 

Psalm cxlv. 9. The Lord is good to all, and his 
tender mercies are over all his works. 

Psalm ciii. 13. Like as a father pitieth his chil- 
dren, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 

Psalm c ii. 8. The Lord is merciful and gracious, 
slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 

2 Pet. iii. 9. The Lord is not willing that any 

should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 



catechism. i9 

The Holy Trinity. 

27. In how many persons has God re- 
vealed himself in his word? 

God has revealed himself as one God 
in three persons. 

Deut. vi. 4. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is 
one Lord. 

Marki. 11, 12. When Jesus was baptized, the 
Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove, 
and a voice from heaven (the Father's) saying, 
This is my beloved Son in whom lam well pleased., 

28. By what names are the three per- 
sons in the Trinity called? 

The three persons in the Holy Trinity 
are called Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
and our salvation consists in our fellow- 
ship with this Triune God. 

Matt, xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore arid teach all 
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 

John xiv. 23. If a man love me, he will keep my 
words ; and my Father will love him, and we will 
come unto him, and make our abode with him. 

29. What benefits does the Triune God 
coyifer upon us? 



20 A CHRISTIAN 

Each person of the Godhead confers a 
special benefit upon us. 

God the Father. 

30 What has God the Father done and 
what does lie still do for us ? 

God the Father has created us and all 
things; and still upholds all things; 
rules and governs all things, and has 
chosen us to salvation before the founda- 
tion of the world; and this he has done 
in Christ, that is on account of our fore- 
seen faith in Jesus. 

Gen. i. 1. In the beginning God created the 
heaven and the earth. 

Psa. cxlv. 15, 16. The eyes of all wait upon thee 
and thou givest them their m( at in due season. Thou 
openest thine hand and satisfiest the desire of every 
living thing. 

Psalm ciii. 19. The Lord hath prepared his 
throne in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth 
over all. 

Eph. i. 4. He hath chosen us in him (Chr'st) 
before the foundation of the world. 



catechism. 21 

God the Son. 

3 1 . What do the Holy Scriptures teach 
us of God, the Son ? 

The Holy Scriptures teach us 

i. That the Son was begotten of the 
Father from eternity; 

2. That he was chosen from eternity 
to accomplish our salvation ; and 

3. That he was born of the Virgin 
Mary in the fullness of time. 

Psalm ii. 7 . Thou art my Son ; this day have I 
begotten thee. 

Eph. i. 4. He hath chosen us in him (Christ) 
before the foundation of the world. 

32. Whence do we derive the evidence 
that Jesus of Nazareth is truly the Savior 
of the world ? 

From the Old Testament prophecies 
which were fulfilled in him. 

33. What do these prophecies foretell 
of Christ? 

They foretell the particulars 1. Of his 
birth; 2. Of his life; and 3. Of his death. 



22 A CHRISTIAN 

34. What are the prophecies in regard 
to his birth ? 

The prophets foretold 

1. The time of his birth; 

2. The place of his birth; and 

3. That the woman of whom he should 
be born would be a virgin. 

The following passages' foretell the 
time of his birth : 

Daniel ix. 24. Seventy weeks are determined 

to bring in everlasting righteousness and to 

anoint the most Holy. 

Haggai ii. 9. The glory of this latter house (the 
second temple) shall be greater than of the former. 

Malachi iii. 1. BehoM I will send my messenger 
and he shall prepare my way before me. 

Genesis xlix. 10. The sceptre shall not depart 
from Judah, nor a law giver from between his feet, 
until Shiloh come ; and unto him shall the gathering 
of the people be. 

The following passages foretell the 

place of his birth. 

Micah v. 2. But thou Bethlehem Ephrata, though 
thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet 
out of thee shall he come forth unto me, that is to be 
ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been from 
of old, from everlasting. Compare Matt. ii. 4-6. 



CATECHISM. 23 

The following passages foretell that he 
should be born of a virgin: 

Isa. vii. 14. The Lord himself shall give you a 
sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a 
son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 

Compare Luke i. 34, 35. 

35. What did the prophets foretell of 
the life of Jesus ? 

The prophets foretold 

1. That Jesus should be poor in this 
world's goods ; 

2. That he should teach and establish 
his doctrines by miracles ; and 

3. That he should establish the Chris- 
tian religion. 

Zech. ix. 9. Thy king Cometh unto thee : he is 
just, and having salvation ; lowly, and riding upon an 
ass and upon a colt, the foal of an ass. 

Deut. xviii. 18. I will raise them up a prophet 
from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will 
put my words in his mouth. 

John vi. 14 Then those men when they had seen 
the miracles that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth 
that prophet that should come into the world. 

John i. 45. We have found him of whom Moses 
in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Naz- 
areth, the son of Joseph. 



24 A CHRISTIAN 

Luke xxiv. 44. These are the words which I 
spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all 
things must be fulfilled, which were written in the 
law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms 
concerning me. 

36. What prophecies were fulfilled in 
the death of Jesus ? 

The prophets foretold what should 
take place 

1. Before his death ; 

2. After his death. 

Zech. xi. 12, 13. So they weighed for my price 
thirty pieces of silver. And I took the thirty pieces 
of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of 
the Lord. 

Zech. xiii. 7. Smite the Shepherd, and the sheep 
shall be scattered. 

Isa. liii. The whole of the fifty-third chapter of 
Isaiah foretells the sufferings and triumphs of Christ. 

37. What are the names and titles as- 
cribed to Jesus ? 

1. He is called a Savior; 

2. He is called Christ, which means, 
the anointed one ; 

3. He is called Immanuel, which 
means, " God with us." 



CATECHISM. 25 

Matt. i. 21. Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for 
he shall save his people from their sins. 

Luke ii. 11. For unto you is born this day, in the 
city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 

Isa. vii. 14. Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and 
bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 
Compare Matt. i. 22, 23. 

Luke i. 31. And behold thou shalt conceive in 
thy womb and bring forth a son, and shall call his 
name JESUS. 

38. What are the wotks of Christ ? 
They are 

1. His teachings ; 

2. His prophecies ; 

3. His miracles. 

Isaiah lxi. 1. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon 
me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach 
good tidings unto the meek. Comp. Luke iv. 18. 

Matt. vii. 29. For he taught them as one having 
authority, and not as the scribes. 

John vii. 46. Never man spake like this man. 

Matt. xxiv. 14. And this gospel of the kingdom 
shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto 
all nations ; and' then shall the end come. 

39. How is Christ revealed to us in re- 
gard to his person ? 

In regard to his person Christ is re- 
vealed to us as both God and man. 



26 A CHRISTIAN 

40. Why must Christ be God in ordet 
to be our all-sufficient Savior? 

Christ must be divine in his nature, 
because no mere man could have saved 
us ; a mere man could never have recon- 
ciled us with God ; and no mere man 
could have satisfied the justice of God. 

Psalm xlix. 7. None of them can by any means 
redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him. 

Isaiah liii. 5, 6. He was wounded for our transgres- 
sions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chas- 
tisement of our peace was upon him; and with his 
stripes we are healed. 

The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 

41. Why must Christ also be man ? 
Christ must also be man in order that 

he might suffer and die, and thus make 
an atonement for our sins. 

Hebrews ii. 16, 17. For he took not on him the na- 
ture of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 
Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made 
like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and 
faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to 
make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 

42. How many natures, therefore \ are 
there in the person of Cfaist? 



CATECHISM. 27 

There are two natures in the person 
of Christ, a divine and a human nature, 
and these two natures always act in har- 
mony with each other. 

2 Cor. v. 19. God was in Christ, reconciling the 
world unto himself. 

Romans ix. 5. Whose are the fathers; and of 
whom, as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is 
our all, God blessed forever. Amen. Rom. i. 3, 4. 

43. How is Christ presented to us in 
his mediatorial work ? 

In his mediatorial work, to which he 
was anointed, Christ is presented to us 
as our prophet, priest and king. 

44. What does Christ do for us as our 
prophet? 

As our prophet he instructs us, and 
reveals to us the counsel of God in re- 
gard to our salvation. He calls upon us 
to believe, and declares what shall be 
the condition of those who remain faith- 
ful to the end, and of those who con- 
tinue finally in their impenitence. 



28 A CHRISTIAN 

John iii. 5. Except a man be born of water and 
of the Spirit, he can not enter into the kingdom of 
God. 

Acts x. 36. Preaching peace by Jesus Christ. (He 
is Lord of all.) 

John x. 38. That ye may know, and believe, that 
the Father is in me and I in him. 

John iii. 16. God so loved the world that he gave 
his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in 
him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

John iii. 18. He that believeth not is condemned 
already, because he hath not believed in the name of 
the only begotten Son of God. 

45. By what means does Christ in- 
struct or teach its ? 

Christ teaches us by his word, his ex- 
ample and the Holy Ghost. 

John xv. -26. When the Comforter is come whom 
I will send unto you from the Father even the Spirit 
■of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall 
testify of me. 

John xvi. 14. He shall glorify me; for he shall 
receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 

46. What lias Christ done for us as 
our high priest? 

As our high priest Christ has wrought 
out our salvation. 



CATECHISM. 29 

Psalm ex. 4. Thou art a priest forever, alter the 
order of Melchizedek. 

Heb. iv. 14, 15. Seeing then we have a great 
High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the 
Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 

For we have not a high priest which can not be 
•touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in 
all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 

47. By what means has Christ accom- 
plished our salvation ? 

Christ has accomplished our salvation 
by his perfect obedience in fulfilling all 
the demands of the law, both as to its 
commands and threatenings, and by giv- 
ing himself a sacrifice for us in his suf- 
fering and death, thus taking away the 
guilt and penalty of our sins. 

Heb. ix. 14, 15. How much more shall the blood 
■of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered him- 
self without spot to God, purge your conscience from 
dead works to serve the living God ? 

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new 
testament, that by means of death, for the redemption 
of the transgressions, etc. 

Matt. v. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy 
the law or the prophets : I am not come to destroy, 
but to fulfil. 



30 A CHRISTIAN 

48. What does Christ still do for us as 
our high priest ? 

Christ intercedes for us in heaven at 
the right hand of God, and blesses us. 

Romans viii. 34. It is Christ that died, yea rather, 
that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of 
God, who also maketh intercession for us. 

Eph. i. 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spir- 
itual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. 

49. What does Christ do as our King ? 
Christ rules and governs 

1. In the kingdom of nature, 

2. In the kingdom of grace, and 

3. In the kingdom of glory. 

50. How does Christ rule in the king- 
dom of nature? 

In the kingdom of nature Christ dis- 
plays his almighty power, and controls 
all creatures, good /and bad, angels in- 
cluded. 

Eph. i. 20-22. God hath set him (Christ) at his 
own right hand. Far above all principality, and 
power, and might, and dominion, and every name that 



CATECHISM. 31 

is named, not only in this world, but also in that 
which is to come ; and hath put all things under his 
feet, etc. 

5 1 . Whom does Christ rule over in the 
kingdom of grace ? 

In the kingdom of grace Christ rules 

over his believing people. 

Eph. iv. 15. Speaking the truth in love, ye may 
grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even 
Christ. 

Psalm xciii. 1. The Lord reigneth, he is clothed 
with majesty. 

Col. i. 18. He (Christ) is the head of the body, 
the church. 

52. Whom does Christ ride over in the 
kingdom of glory ? 

In the kingdom of glory Christ rules 
over his redeemed in heaven. 

John xvii. 24. Father I will that they also whom 
thou hast given me be with me where I am ; that they 
may behold my glory. 

53. In what two other states do the 
Scriptures represent Christ ? 

The Scriptures represent Christ 

1. In his state of humiliation; and 

2. In his state of glory. 



32 A CHRISTIAN 

54. How many steps may be counted 
in Christ's humiliation ? 

There were five steps in Christ's 
humiliation. 

5 5 . What was t/ie first step in Chris fs 
humiliation ? 

The first step in Christ's humiliation 

consisted in the extreme poverty of his 

birth, although he was descended from 

the royal house of David. 

Luke ii. 7. And she brought forth her first born 
and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him 
in a manger; because there w,;s no room for them in 
the inn. 

56. What zvas the second step in 
Christ s humiliation ? 

The second step in Christ's humilia- 
tion consisted in his humble life, as he 
was poor and despised. 

Luke ix. 58. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes 
have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the 
Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 

57. What zvas the third step in Chris fs 
humiliation ? 



CATECHISM. 33 

The third step in Christ's humiliation 
consisted in his sufferings, which were 
both internal and external. 

58. What were the internal sufferings 
of Christ ? 

The internal sufferings of Christ con- 
sisted in his great agony of soul, and his 
feeling of being forsaken of God. 

Matt. xxvi. 38. Then saith he unto them, My soul 
is exceeding sorrowful even unto death. 

Matt, xxvii. 46. My God, my God, why hast thou 
forsaken me ? 

59. What were the external sufferings 
of Christ ? 

The external sufferings of Christ were 
inflicted by Judas, one of his own disci- 
ples, who betrayed him; by the high 
priests and their servants, who spit upon 
him and buffeted him, and by Pilate and 
his soldiers, who mocked and scourged 
him and crowned him with thorns. 

Matt. xxvi. 49, 50; Luke xxii. 63, 64; Matt, 
xxvii. 29. 



34 A CHRISTIAN 

60. What was the fourth step in 
Christ s humiliation ? 

The fourth step in Christ's humiliation 
consisted in his death on the cross, when 
he became a curse for us on the tree, and 
laid down his life to redeem us from our 
sins. 

Luke xxiii. 3$- And when they were come to a 
place which is called Calvary, there they crucified him. 

Gal. iii. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the 
<urse of the law, being made a curse for us. 

John x. 17, 18. Therefore doth my Father love 
me, because I lay down my life, that f might take it 
again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down 
myself. 

61. What was the fifth step in Chris fs 
Jtumiliation ? 

The fifth step in Christ's humiliation 
Consisted in his burial, when his body- 
was laid in the grave, whereby he also 
sanctifies our graves. 

Romans viii. 11. But if the Spirit of him that 
raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that 
raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken 
your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 



CATECHISM. 35 

62. Wherein does Christ's state of exal- 
tation consist ? 

Christ's state of exaltation consists 
in his laying aside the form of a servant 
and resuming his divine glory. 

Phil. ii. 9-1 1. Wherefore God also hath highly- 
exalted him and given him a name which is above 
every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee 
should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, 
and things under the earth ; and that every tongue 
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory 
of God the Father. 

63. How manf steps are there in 
Chris fs exaltation? 

Five steps may be counted in Christ's 
exaltation ? 

64. What is the first step in Christ's 
exaltation f 

The first step in Christ's exaltation is 
his entrance into Paradise, also called 
the place of departed spirits, hell or 
hades, where he showed himself in the 
spirit world as conquerer of death and 
hell. 



36 A CHRISTIAN 

Hosea xiii. 14. I will ransom them from the 
power of the grave ; I will redeem them from death ; 
O death, I will be thy plagues, O grave, I will be thy 
destruction. 

Eph. iv. 9, 10. Now that he ascended, what is it 
but that he also descended first into the lower parts 
of the earth ? He that descended is the same also- 
that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might 
fill all things. 

65. What is the second step in Christ's 
exaltation ? 

The second step in Christ's exaltation 
is his resurrection wherein he arose alive 
from death and the grave. 

Rom. vi. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by 
baptism into death ; that like as Christ was raised up 
from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we 
also should walk in newness of life. 

Acts iv. 10. Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom ye 
crucified whom God hath raised from the dead. 

66. What is the third step in Christ's 
exaltation ? 

The third step in Christ's exaltation 
consists in his ascension to heaven, 
whereby he withdraws his visible pres- 
ence from the earth. 



CATECHISM. 37 

Luke xxiv. 51. And it came to pass, while he 
blessed them, he was parted from them and carried 
up into heaven. 

67. What is the fourth step in the exal- 
tion of Christ ? 

The fourth step in Christ's exaltation 
is his session at the right hand of 
God, where he rules with the Father in 
equal power and honor. 

Romans viii. 34. Who is he that condemneth ? 
It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, 
who is even at the right hand of God, who also mak- 
eth intercession for us. 

Psalm ex. 1. Sit thou on my right hand, until I 
make thine enemies thy footstool. 

John v. 22. The Father judgeth no man, but hath 
committed all judgment unto the Son. 

68. What is the fifth step in Christ's 
exaltation ? 

The fifth step in Christ's exaltation 
will be his return to judgment, when he 
will come again unexpectedly, visibly 
and gloriously, for the purpose of judg- 
ing devils and all men according to their 
works, words and thoughts. 



38 A CHRISTIAN 

Isaiah lxvi. 15. For behold the Lord will come 
with fire, and with his chariots, like a whirlwind. 

Matt. xxiv. 36. But of that day and hour knoweth 
no man, no, not even the angels of heaven, but my 
Father only. 

Acts i. 11. This same Jesus which is taken up 
from you into heaven, shall come in like manner as 
ye have seen him go into heaven. 

Matthew xxv. 31. When the Son of man shall 
come in his glory and all the holy angels with him, 
then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. 

1 Thess. iv. 16. For the Lord himself shall de- 
scend with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, 
and with the trump of God ; and the dead in Christ 
shall rise first. 

2 Pet. ii 4. For if God spared not the angels that 
sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered 
them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto 
judgment, etc. 

2 Cor. v. 10. For we must all appear before the 
judgment seat of Christ ; that every one may receive 
the things done in his body, according to that he 
hath done, whether it be good or bad. 

Matthew xvi. 27. For the Son of man shall come 
in the glory of his Father, with his angels ; and then 
he shall reward every man according to his works. 

Matt. xii. 36. But I say unto you that every idle 
word that men shall speak, they shall give account 
thereof in the day of judgment. 

1 Cor. iv 5. The Lord will bring to light the 

hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the 
counsels of the hearts. 



CATECHISM. 39 

69. How will Christ judge his faithful 
disciples? 

He will bless and praise them, and re- 
ceive them into eternal life and happi- 
ness. 

Matthew xxv. 34. Then shall the king say to them 
on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, 
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foun- 
dation of the world. 

70. How will Christ judge the unbe- 
lieving and the ungodly ? 

He will separate them from the righ- 
teous and consign them with a curse to 
eternal misery. 

Matthew xxv. 32. And before him shall be gath- 
ered all nations ; and he shall separate them one 
from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from 
the goats. 

Matthew xxv. 41 . Then shall he say also unto them 
on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into 
everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. 

Rev. xxi. 8. But the fearful and unbelieving, and 
the abominable, and murderers and whoremongers, 
and sorcerers, and idolaters and all liars, shall have 
their part in the lake which burneth with fire and 
brimstone which is the second death. 



40 a christian 

God the Holy Ghost. 

7 1 . What do the Scriptures teach about 
the Holy Ghost, who is the third person in 
the Trinity? 

The Scriptures teach that the Holy 
Ghost proceedeth from the Father and 
the Son, and is truly God. 

John xv. 26. When the Comforter is come, whom I 
will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit 
of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall 
testify of me. 

Acts v. 3, 4. Peter said to Ananias, why hath 
Satan filled thine heart to Jie to the Holy Ghost? 
Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 

J 2. What are the offices of the Holy 
Ghost? 

The offices of the Holy Ghost are 
manifold, among which may be men- 
tioned 

1. His Teaching Office ; 

2. His Reproving Office ; 

3. His Exhorting Office; and 

4. His Consoling Office. 



CATECHISM. 41 

73. What does the Holy Ghost do in 
his Teaching Office ? 

By his Teaching Office the Holy 
Ghost produces within us a living, that 
is, an active knowledge of divine truth, 
and moves the will to the acceptance and 
actual exercise of true religion, which 
takes place at our calling. 

2 Timothy iii. 16. All scripture is given by inspi- 
ration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for re- 
proof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 

John xiv. 26. But the Comforter, which is the 
Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, 
he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to 
your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 
Also Matt. vii. 24-27. 

74. What does the Holy Ghost do in 
his Reproving Office ? 

By his Reproving Office the Holy 
Ghost convicts of sin through the clear 
exhibition of sin to the conscience, 
thus producing illumination or enlight- 
enment. 

John xvi. 8. When he (the Holy Ghost) is come, 



42 A CHRISTIAN 

he will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness and 
of judgment. 

Romans ii. 14, 15. The Gentiles who have not 
the law are a law unto themselves their con- 
science also bearing witness, and their thoughts the 
meanwhile accusing, or else excusing one another. 

Eph. v. 13, 14. All things that are reproved are 
made manifest by the light; for whatsoever doth 
make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake 
thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and 
Christ shall give thee light. 

Genesis vi. 3. And the Lord said, My spirit shall 
not always strive with man. 

75. What does the Holy Ghost do in 
his Exhorting Office ? 

By his Exhorting Office the Holy 
Ghost grants us the desire and ability to 
do good works, which he does by pro- 
ducing holy thoughts in our minds, 
bringing divine truth to our remem- 
brance, and directing us to holy exam- 
ples, by which means our sanctification 
is promoted. 

Phil. ii. 13. It is God who worketh in you, both 
to will and to do of his good pleasure. 

Romans viii. 14. For as many as are led by the 
Spirit of God, they are sons of God. 



CATECHISM. 43 

John xiv. 26. But the Comforter, which is the 
Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, 
he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to 
your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you, 
&c. For examples see nth chapter of Hebrews. 

76. What does the Holy Ghost do in 
his Consoling Office? 

By his Consoling Office the Holy 
Ghost strengthens the faithful in their 
sufferings by the comforting assur- 
ance that all things do work together for 
their good, and thus he contributes to 
their perseverance unto the end. 

Romans viii. 28. We know that all things work 
together for good to them that love God. 

Rom. viii. 1 6- 1 8. The Spirit itself beareth witness 

with our spirit that we are the children of God, And 

if children, then heirs : heirs of God, and joint heirs 

with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we 
may be also glorified together. For I reckon, that 
the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be 
compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. 

2 Cor. iv. 17. For our lighl affliction, which is 
but for a momtnt, w,orketh for us a far more exceed- 
ing and eternal weight of glory. 



44 a christian 

The Angels. 
J J. What are the angels? 
The angels are created spirits, the 
noblest of God's invisible creatures. 

Psalm ciii. 20. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that 
•excel in strength, that do his commandments, heark- 
ening unto the voice of his word. 

78. What was their original state ? 

In their original state the angels were 
all good, endowed with reason and will, 
with freedom, power and truth. 

Genesis i. 31. And God saw every thing that he 
liad made, and behold, it was very good. 

Psalm civ. 4. Who maketh his angels spirits ; his 
ministers a flaming fire. 

79. What was the subsequent state of 
the angels? 

In the subsequent state we find good 
and bad angels. 

Jude 6. The angels which kept not their first 
estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved 
in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judg- 
ment of the great day. 

2 Peter ii. 4. God spared not the angels that 
sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered 



CATECHISM. 45 

them into chains and darkness, to be reserved unto 
judgment. 

80. Which are the good angels ? 

The good angels are those who re- 
mained steadfast in their original state. 

81. What are the angels according to 
their original state ? 

The good angels are endowed with 
great knowledge, wisdom, holiness, 
strength and power. 

Mark xiii. 32. But of that day and that hour 
knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in 
heaven. 

2 Sam. xiv. 20. My lord is wise according to the 
wisdom of the angels of God. 

Matt. xxv. 31. When the Son of man shall come 
in his glory, and all the holy angels with him. 

Psalm ciii. 20. Bless the Lord ye angels that excel 
in strength. 

82. What offices do the holy angels per- 
form ? 

The holy angels serve God, and also 
the saints on earth, whom they defend, 
protect and deliver. 

Dan. vi. 22. My God hath sent his angel and 



46 A CHRISTIAN 

hath shut the lions' mouths that they have not hurt 
me. 

Dan. vii. 10. Thousand thousands ministered unto 
him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood be- 
fore him. 

Acts xii. 7, And behold the angel of the Lord 
came upon him, and a light shined in the prison ; and 
he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, say- 
ing, arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from 
his hands. 

Psalm xxxiv. 7. The angel of the Lord encampeth 
round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 

Psalm xci. 1 1, 12. For he shall give his angels 
charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They 
shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy 
foot against a stone. 

83. What are the angels according to 
their orders. 

According to their orders the angels 
are called thrones, dominions, principal- 
ities, powers, archangels, cherubim and 
seraphim. 

Col. 1. 16. For by him were all things created, that 
are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invis- 
ible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or princi- 
palities, or powers. 

1 Thess. iv. 16. The Lord himself shall descend 
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the 
archangel, and with the trump of God. 



CATECHISM. 47 

Gen. iii. 24. And he placed at the east of the 
garden of Eden, cherubim. 

Isaiah vi. 2. And above it stood the seraphim. 

Luke xy. 10. There is joy in the presence of the 
angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. 

84. What is the number of the angels ? 

The number of the angels is so great 
that the Scriptures declare them to be 
innumerable. 

Heb. xii. 22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, 
the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, 
and to an innumerable company of angels. 

85. What is their exalted station ? 

They stand before God and are in the 

highest degree happy. 

Dan. vii. 10. Ten thousand times ten thousand (of 
angels) stand before him. 

Matt, xviii. 10. In heaven their angels do always 
behold the face of my father which is in heaven. 

Luke xv. 10. There is joy in the presence of the 
angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. 

86. What are the bad angels ? 

The bad angels are called devils, 
Satan and his angels, of whom there are 
a great many. 



48 A CHRISTIAN 

John xiii. 2. Supper being ended the devil put it 
into the heart of Judas I scariot,' Simon's son to betray 
him. 

Luke xxii. 3. Then entered Satan into Judas. 

Rev. xii. 9. And the great dragon was oast out, 
thai old serpent called the Devil, and Satan, and his 
angels were cast out with him. 

Luke, viii. 30. And Jesus asked him, saying, What 
is thy name ? And he said Legion ; because many 
devils were entered into him. 

87. Wherein consists their fall ? 

The fall of the devils consists in their 

apostacy from God and the truth ; that 

is, they fell from their state of holiness 

and righteousness. * 

John viii. 44. Ye are of your father, the devil, and 
the lusts of your father ye will do, He was a mur- 
derer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, 
because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh 
a lie, he speaketh of his own ; for he is a liar and the 
father of it. 

88. What are they according to their 

present state ? 

According to their present state the 

devils are full of wickedness. 

Eph. vi. 16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, 
wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts 
of the wicked. 



CATECHISM. 49 

89. What are they in their conduct to- 
wards man ? 

Towards the human race the devils 
are full of wrath, lies, deceit and in- 
trigue, intent upon doing injury, which 
they can do, however, only so far as 
God permits ; they seek also, as far as 
they can, to hinder the honor and work 
of God. 

Rev. xii. 12. The devil is come down unto you, 
having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath 
but a short time. 

Gen. iii. 4. And the serpent said unto the woman, 
Ye shall not surely die. 

Job i. 12. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, 
all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself 
put not forth thine hand. 

1 Pet. v. 8. Be sober, be vigilant ; because your 
adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, 
seeking whom he may devour. 

90. What are the devils according to 
their present condition ? 

According to their present condition 
they are in a state of damnation and ex- 



50 A CHRISTIAN 

treme misery, and are awaiting their 
final doom at the judgment of the great 
day with trembling. 

2 Pet. ii. 4. God spared not the angels that sinned, 
but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into 
chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment. 

James, ii. 19. Thou believest that there is one God; 
'thou doest well; the devils also believe and tremble. 



CATECHISM. 5 1 

CHAPTER II. 
Man. 

9 1 . What is man ? 

Man is the noblest of God's visible 
creatures, being endowed with a wonder- 
ful body, with a rational mind and an 
immortal soul. 

Gen. ii. 7. The Lord God formed man of the dust 
ot the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath 
of life ; and man became a living soul. 

92. In how many states or conditions 
should man be considered? 

Man may be considered in a fourfold 
state : 

1. In a state of innocence ; 

2. In a state of sin ; 

3. In a state of grace ; and 

4. In a state of glory. 



52 A CHRISTIAN 

93. When was man in his state of in- 
nocence ? 

Man was in a state of innocence when 
God created Adam and Eve in his im- 
age and likeness, and when they were 
without the guilt and infirmity of sin. 

Gen. i. 27, 28. So God created man in his own 
image, in the image of God created he him; male 
and female created he them. And God blessed them. 

94. Wherein did the image and likeness 
of God consist? 

The image and likeness of God, con- 
sisted in man's conformity with God, 
and especially in the similitude of his 
mind with God. 

Phil. ii. 5. Let this mind be in you which was also 
i n Christ Jesus. 

95. How did this image and likeness of 
God manifest itself? 

This image of God in man revealed 
itself in his soul and body ? 



CATECHISM. 53 

96. How was the image of God mani- 
fested in man's soul? 

The image of God was manifested in 
man's soul, 

1. In his understanding, by divine 
illumination and knowledge, in that they 
knew God and his will. 

2. In his will, by righteousness and 
true holiness. 

3. In his conscience, by peace and joy 
in God. 

Col. iii. 10. And have put on the new man, which 
is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that 
created him. 

97. How did this image of God mani- 
fest itself in their bodies? 

The image of God was manifest in 
their bodies in three ways : 

1. They were immortal and could 
have avoided death, if they had re- 
mained in their state of innocence ; 



54 A CHRISTIAN 

2. They had dominion over all the 
other creatures of God on earth ; and 

3. They dwelt in Paradise. 

98. Did Adam and Eve continue in 
their original state of innocence and holi- 
ness} 

Alas! no; they fell from that blessed 
state, having been beguiled by Satan to 
sin against God. 

2 Cor. xi. 3. But I fear lest by any means, as the 
serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your 
minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is 
in Christ. 

99. How was this fall into sin occa- 
sioned ? 

The fall into sin was occasioned 

1. Internally by unbelief and disobe- 
dience toward God ; and 

2. Externally, by eating the forbidden 
fruit. 

100. What have we lost by the fall into 
sin ? 



CATECHISM. 55 

We have lost, together with Adam 
and Eve, not only the image of God, but 
we have also, in our natural state, ac- 
quired the image or disposition of Satan, 
which manifests itself by the inclination 
to sin. 

John viii. 44. Ye are of your father, the devil, 
and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a 
murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the 
truth, because there is no truth in him. When he 
speaketh a lie he speaketh of his own : for he is a liar 
and the father of it. 

10 1. What is the nature of sin ? 

Sin consists, in general, in the trans- 
gression of the law of God. 

I John iii. 4. Whosoever committeth sin transgress- 
eth also the law ; for sin is the transgression of the 
law. 

102. What was the first effect cf sin f 
The first effect of sin was, that Adam 

and Eve and all their descendants have 
by nature become depraved in soul and 
body. 



56 A CHRISTIAN 

103. What is the effect of sin as regards 
the soul? 

The effect of sin on the soul is, that 
the understanding is darkened, and is 
without divine light and knowledge of 
spiritual things, which is necessary to 
salvation. 

Eph. iv. 18. Having the understanding darkened, 
being alienated from the life of God through the ig- 
norance that is in them, because of the blindness of 
their heart. 

I Cor. ii. 14. The natural man receiveth not the 
things of the Spirit of God ; for they are foolishness 
unto him ; neither can he know them, because they 
are spiritually discerned. 

104. What is the effect of sin on the 
will? 

The effect of sin on the will is, that we 
have by nature become unrighteous and 
unholy; yea, slaves to sin, in that we 
have neither the will nor the power to 
do good. 

Rom. iii. 12. They are all gone out of the way, 



CATECHISM. 57 

they are together become unprofitable ; there is none 
that doeth good, no not one. 

Gen. viii. 21. The imagination of man's heart is 
evil from his youth. 

105. What is the effect of sin on the 
conscience ? 

The effect of sin on the conscience is 
anxiety and fear. 

Rom. ii. 15. Their conscience also bearing wit- 
ness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or 
else excusing one another. 

106. What is the effect of sin upon the 
body ? 

The effect of sin on the body is de- 
plorable, indeed. Man lost his dominion 
over the other creatures on earth; he 
was driven out of Paradise ; he was sub- 
jected to labor, sickness and death, and 
in this condition we are all born into the 
world. 

Gen. iii. 17, 19 And to Adam he said cursed 

is the ground for thy sake ; in sorrow shalt thou eat 
of it all the days of thy life. In the sweat of thy face 



58 A CHRISTIAN 

shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground ; 
for out of it thou wast taken ; for dust thou art and 
unto dust shalt thou return. 

Psalm li. 5. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and 
in sin did my mother conceive me. 

107. Into how many kinds may sin be 
divided? 

Sin may be divided into two kinds; 

1. Original sin; and, 

2. Actual sin. 

108. Wkat is original sin ? 

The natural disposition to evil is called 
original sin, because we have inherited 
it from our first parents. 

109. In what does original sin consist? 
Original sin consists in a destitution 

of every thing that is good, and an in- 
clination to every thing that is evil, 
which leads to the commission of actual 
sin. 

Rom. iii. 23. For all have sinned and come short 
of the glory of God. 



CATECHISM. 59 

1 10. What are actual sins ? 

Actual sins consist in leaving undone 
what God commands to be done, and in 
doing what God has forbidden. 

Luke xii. 47. That servant who knew his Lord's 
will, and prepared not himself, neither did according 
to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 

Rom. vi. 12. Let not sin, therefore reign in your 
mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts 
thereof. 

Rom. vii. 21. I find then a law, that when I 
would dogood, evil is present with me. 

in. In what ways may sins be com- 
mitted? 

Sins may be committed in thoughts, 
words and actions. 

Rom. iii. 13-18. Their throat is an open sepulchre; 
with their tongues they use deceit ; the poison of asps 
is under their lips ; Whose mouth is full of cursing 
and bitterness ; Their feet are swift to shed blood ; 
Destruction and misery are in their ways ; And the 
way of peace have they not known; There is no fear 
of God before their eyes. 

112. How may actual sins be farther 
divided ? 



60 A CHRISTIAN 

Actual sins may be divided into 
i. Presumptuous sins; and 
2. Sins of infirmity. 

113. What are presumptuous sins ? 
Presumptuous sins are those which 

result from a controlling disposition to 
do evil, wherein the ungodly wilfully 
and purposely indulge in sin, or at least 
do not resist sin. 

Rom. vi. 12. Let not sin therefore reign in your 
mortal bodies. 

Isa. iii. 9. The show of their countenance doth 
witness against them ; and they declare their sin as 
Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for 
they have rewarded evil unto themselves. 

1 1 4. What are sins of infirmity ? 

Sins of infirmity may be committed 
even by believers, from unavoidable ig- 
norance, hastily or unintentionally, but 
which they abhor and deplore as soon 
as they realize them to be sins, implore 
God's forgiveness, and shun them in 
future. 



CATECHISM. 6 1 

115. What is the punishment of sin f 
The wages of sin is death, which has 

come upon all mankind on account of 
sin. 

Rom. v. 12. Wherefore, as by one man sin en- 
tered into the world, and death by sin; and so death 
passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. 

Rom. vi. 23. For the wages of sin is death. 

116. How ma?iy kinds of death are 
spoken of in the Scriptures? 

The Scriptures speak of three kinds of 
death : 

1. Spiritual death; 

2. Bodily or temporal death ; and 

3. Eternal death. 

1 1 7. What is spiritual death f 
Spiritual death is that wherein the 

sinner is dead in trespasses and sins, and 
incapable of doing any thing good, 
which brings upon him the wrath and 
displeasure of God. 

Eph. ii. I. And you hath he quickened who were 
dead in trespasses and sins. 



62 A CHRISTIAN 

1 1 8. What is bodily or temporal 
death ? 

Bodily, or temporal death consists in 
the separation of soul and body. 

Psalm cxlvi . 4. His breath goeth forth ; he returneth 
to his earth. 

Ecc. xii. 7. Then shall the dust return to the 
earth as it was ; and the spirit shall return unto God, 
who gave it. 

1 19. What is meant by eternal death ? 
By eternal death is meant eternal dam- 
nation. 

Rev. xxi. 8. But the fearful and unbelieving, and 
the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, 
and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have 
their part in the lake which burnetii with tire and 
brimstone : which is the second death. 

Rev. xx. 6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part 
in the first resurrection ; on such the second death 
hath no power. 

1 20. Wherein does the freedom of the 
will consist ? 

The freedom of the will is that part of 
the image of God in man, which remains 
after the fall, and consists in the ability 



CATECHISM. 63 

to choose and to act according to his 
understanding. 

Deut. xxx. 19. I call heaven and earth to record 
this day against you, that I have set before you life 
and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose 
life, that both thou and thy seed may live. 

121. How zvas the will of man in- 
clined before the fall ? 

Before the fall the will of man was in- 
clined only to that which was good. 

Eph. iv. 24. That ye put on the new man, which 
after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 

122. How was the will of man in- 
clined after the fall? 

After the fall the will of man was dead 
to that which is spiritually good. 

Eph. ii. 4, 5. God, who is rich in mercy, for his 
great love wherewith he loved us, even when we 
were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with 
Christ. 

123. What good is man capable of 
doing by his own powers and inclinations 
of reason and nature? 



64 A CHRISTIAN 

By the power of his reason man can 
perform any thing that is reasonably or 
civilly good ; also that which is naturally 
good, for even irrational animals love 
their benefactors and their young. 

Matt. vii. II. If ye then, being evil, know how to 
give good gifts unto your children, how much more 
shall your Father who is in heaven give good things 
to them that ask him. 

Matt. vi. 2, 5, 16. In these verses we read, how 
the hypocrites give alms, pray and fast, merely to be 
seen of men and to be praised by men. 

1 24. Can the unregenerate man do any 
thing that is spiritually good? 

The unregenerate man can not do any 
thing that is spiritually good, which is 
according to faith, or pleasing to God, 
who sees into the heart 

2 Samuel xvi. 7. The Lord seeth not as man 
seeth ; for man looketh on the outward appearance, 
but the Lord looketh on the heart. 

Heb. xi. 6. But without faith it is impossible to 
please him. 



catechism. 65 

The State of Grace. 

125. Is God willing that man should 
perish in this state of sin ? 

No, God is willing to transfer us inta 
a state of grace through Christ, 

I Tim. ii 4. God our Savior, who will have alt 
men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the 
truth. 

Ezekiel xviii. 23. Have I any pleasure at all that 
the wicked should die ? saith the Lord God ; and not 
that he should return from his ways and live ? 

John iii. 16. For God so loved the world, that he 
gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever belie veth 
in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

126. What do we regain in this state 
of grace ? 

In this state of grace we regain the 
lost image of God and obtain redemp- 
tion through Christ. 

Col. iii 10. And have put on the new man, which 
is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that 
created him. 

127. What things may be noted in the 
state of grace ? 



66 A CHRISTIAN 

Four things may be noted in the state 
of grace : 

i. The Benefits of grace; 

2. The Means of grace; 

3. The Order of grace; and 

4. The Subjects of grace. 

The Benefits of Grace. 

128. What are the benefits of grace 
which God bestows upon us ? 

The benefits of grace are numerous ; 
we note particularly the following : 

1. Our Calling ; 

2. Our Illumination ; 

3. Our Sanctification ; 

4. Our Perseverance in the faith. 

Our Calling. 

1 29. What grace does God bestow upon 
us in our Calling ? 

In our Calling God reveals his univer- 
sal grace to us through the word of the 



CATECHISM. 67 

Gospel, and offers it to us, affectionately, 
earnestly, yet without compulsion, and 
invites us to accept it. 

2 Timothy i. 9. Who hath called us with an 

holy calling, not according to our works, but accord- 
ing to his own purpose and grace, which was given us 
in Christ Jesus before the world began. 

Matt. xi. 28. Come unto me all ye that labor and 
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Ezekiel xxxiii. 1 1. As I live saith the Lord God, 
I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked ; but 
that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, 
turn ye from your evil ways ; for why will ye die, O 
house of Israel ? 

Matt, xxiii. 37. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem how 

often would I have gathered thy children together 
even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, 
and ye would not ! 

Our Illumination. 

1 30. What grace does God bestow upon 
us in our Illumination ? 

In our Illumination, or enlightening, 
God reveals to us our lost state by na- 
ture, and works within us a lively knowl- 
edge of Christ. 



68 A CHRISTIAN 

Eph. v. 13, 14. All things thai are reproved are 
made manifest by the light : for whatsoever doth 
make manifest is light. 

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest and 
arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 

2 Cor. iv. 6. God, who commandeth the light to 
shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts to 
give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in 
the face of Jesus Christ. 

Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn 
them from darkness to light, and from the power of 
Satan unto God. 

131. By what means does Christ en- 
lighten us ? 

Christ is called a light, also the Word, 
because Christ by his word and the Holy 
Spirit brings us to a knowledge of him- 
self and of our own true state, just as a 
light reveals things to our knowledge. 

John i. 9. That (Christ) was the true Light, 
which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 

Psalm, cxix 105. Tny word is a lamp unto my 
feet, and a light unto my path. 

John i. 1. In the beginning was the Word, and 
the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

Eph. v. 13. All things that are reproved are made 
manifest by the light ; for whatsoever doth make man- 
ifest is light. 



CATECHISM. 69 

132. What grace does God bestow upon 
us in our Sanctification ? 

In our Sanctification God delivers us 
from the dominion of sin, and grants us 
strength to live a holy life. 

Rom. vi. 11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves 
to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Our Sanctification. 

133. Whereby is our sanctification ef- 
fected ? 

Our Sanctification is effected in four 
ways : 

1. By cur Regeneration; 

2. By our Justification ; 

3. By our Renewing; and 

4. By our Union with God. 

1 34. What grace does God bestow upon 
us in our Regeneration ? 

In our Regeneration God takes away 
our unbelief, and works faith in Chris 



yO A CHRISTIAN 

within us, whereby we become new 
creatures and the children of God. Thus 
we receive a new life, and become citi- 
zens of the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Mark ix. 23, 24. Jesus said unto him, If thou 
canst believe, all things are possible to him that be- 
lie veth. And straightway the father of the child cried 
out and said with tears, Lord, I believe ; help thou 
mine unbelief. 

John iii. 3. t Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except 
a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of 
God. 

2 Cor. v. 17. Therefore if any man be in Christ, 
he is a new creature; old things are passed away; * 
behold, all things are become new. 

John i. 12, 13. As many as r< ceived him, to them 
gave he power to become the sons of God, even to 
them that believe on his name; which were born, not 
of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of 
man, but of God. 

Heb. xii. 22 Ye are come unto Mount Sion, and 
unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusa- 
lem, and to an innumerable company of angels. 

Matt. xix. 14. Jesus said, Suffer little children, and 
forb'd them not, to come unto me, for of such is the 
kingdom of heaven. 

135. What grace does God bestow 
upon us in our Justification ? 

In our Justification God takes away 



CATECHISM. 71 

the guilt and the punishment of our sins, 

and imparts to us the righteousness of 

Christ, inasmuch as Christ by his perfect 

obedience, suffering and death has made 

satisfaction for the violated law, all of 

which we accept by faith. 

Psalm xxxii. 1, 2. Blessed is the man whose trans- 
gression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed 
is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not in- 
iquity. 

Romans iii. 24, 25. Being justified freely by his 
grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus : 

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation 
through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness 
for the remission of sins that are past, through the for- 
bearance of God. 

1 36. What grace does God bestow upon 
us in our Renewing ? 

In our Renewing God constantly puri- 
fies our hearts from indwelling sin, and 
makes our life more and more holy. 

Eph. iv. 22-24. That ye put off concerning the 
former conversation the old man, which is corrupt ac- 
cording to the deceitful lusts; 

And be renewed in the spi it of your mind; 



72 A CHRISTIAN 

And that ye put on the new man, which after God 
is created in righteousness and true holiness 

1 37. What grace does God bestow upon 
us in our Union or Fellowship with him- 
self? 

By our Union or Fellowship with God, 
he dwells in us and we in him. 

I John iv. 13. Hereby know we that we dwell in 
him, and he in us, because he hath gi\en us of his 
Spirit. 

1 38. What other blessings do we regain 
in the state of grace ? 

a. When we have fiis Spirit dwelling 
within us, God gives himself to us and 
not to the world. He bestows upon us 
his love and sympathy, just as the head 
sympathizes with the members of the 
body. He makes us partakers of the 
gifts of his grace, grants us his powerful 
Influence, assistance and love. 

Acts ix. 4. Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 

Rom. viii. 32. He that spared not his own Son, 
but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with 
him also freely give us all things? 



CATECHISM. 73 

I Cor. vi. 19. Your body is the temple of the 
Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, 
and ye are not your own. 

John xv. 7. If ye abide in me. and my words 
abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be 
done unto you. 

John xvii. 23. I in them and thou in me that 
they may be made perfect in one. 

1 Cor. iii 16. Know ye not that ye are the temple 
of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you ? 

b. We give ourselves to him and not 
unto the world, when we consecrate our- 
selves entirely to him. 

Pro v. xxiii. 26. My son, give me thy heart. 

Rom. vi 13. Yield yourselves unto God, as those 
that are alive from the dead. 

I John ii. 15. If any man love the world, the love 
of the Father is not in him. 

Our Perseverance in the Faith. 

1 39. What grace does God bestow upon 
tts to secure our perseverance in the faith ? 

He keeps us, strengthens and increases 
our faith in Christ and preserves us 
therein unto the end. 



74 a christian 

The Means of Grace. 

140. What do you understand by the 
Means of grace? 

They are those means by which God 
offers, extends and seals to us his grace. 

141. Which are those means of grace ? 
The means of grace are, 

1. The Holy Scriptures, also called 
the Word of God ; 

2. The Sacraments, to which some 
add also 

3. Prayer. 

142. Why are the Holy Scriptures 
called the Word of God? 

The Scriptures are called the Word 
of God, because holy men wrote them as 
they were inspired by the Spirit of God. 

143. What are the evidences of the 
divine inspiration *&f the Holy Scriptures ? 

The divine inspiration of the Holy 
Scriptures is proven by 



CATECHISM. 75 

1. The declarations of Christ: Luke 
xxiv. 44; Heb. ii. 4; 

2. Prophecies: 1 Kings xiii. 1-4; 
compare 2 Kings xxiii. 16, 17; Matt. 
xxi. 1, 2; 

3. Incontrovertible miracles : 1 Kings 
xviii. 21-39; John xiv. 11 ; 

4. They reveal to us the most rational 
means of reconciliation with God : Acts 
iii. 16; namely, the free and willing 
atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. John 
x. 17. For thereby the holiness and 
justice of God are revealed and forever 
satisfied (Heb. ix. 12), sin is made hate- 
ful to us, grace is offered to us, and thus 
strength and experience afforded us in 
doing the will of God. John vii. 17. 

144. How are the Holy Scriptures di- 
vided, or classified? 

The Holy Scriptures are classified ac- 
cording to 



?6 A CHRISTIAN 

1. .The times in which they were writ- 
ten, into the Old and New Testaments ; 

2. The nature of the books, into His- 
torical, Doctrinal and Prophetic; 

3. Their principal import into the 
Law and the Gospel. 

145. What do we understand by the 
Lazv ? 

By the Law we understand the Deca- 
logue, or Ten Commandments, wherein 
we are instructed w T hat God commands 
us to do, and not to do. 

146. Which are the words of the Deca- 
logue or Ten Commandments ? 

They are found in Exodus xx. 1-17, 
and read as follows : 

1. And God spake these words saying: 

2. I am the Lord, thy God, which 
have brought thee out of the land of 
Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 



CATECHISM. J? 

3. Thou shalt have no other gods be- 
fore me. 

4. Thou shalt not make unto thee any 
graven image, or any likeness of any 
thing that is in heaven above, or that is 
in the earth beneath, or that is in the 
water under the earth : 

5. Thou shalt not bow down thyself 
to them, nor serve them : for I the Lord 
thy God am a jealous God, visiting the 
iniquity of the fathers upon the children 
unto the third and fourth generation of 
them that hate me ; 

6. And shewing mercy unto thou- 
sands of them that love me, and keep 
my commandments. 

7. Thou shalt not take the name of 
the Lord thy God in vain : for the Lord 
will not hold him guiltless that taketh 
his name in vain. 



yS A CHRISTIAN 

8. Remember the sabbath-day to keep 
it holy. 

9. Six days shalt thou labor, and do 
all thy work : 

10. But the seventh day is the sab- 
bath of the Lord thy God : in it thou 
shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy 
son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant, 
nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor 
thy stranger that is within thy gates : 

ii. For in six days the Lord made 
heaven and earth, the sea and all that in 
them is, and rested the seventh day : 
wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath- 
day, and hallowed it. 

12. Honor thy father and thy mother; 
that thy days may be long upon the 
land which the Lord thy God giveth 
thee. 

13. Thou shalt not kill. 

14. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 



CATECHISM. 79 

15. Thou shalt not steal. 

16. Thou shalt not bear false witness 
against thy neighbor. 

17. Thou shalt not covet thy neigh- 
bor's house, thou shalt not covet thy 
neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor 
his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, 
nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. 

147. Can we be justified by the deeds of 
the Law ? 

No; by the law all men are con- 
demned and under a curse, because they 
have not yielded perfect obedience to it. 

Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are of the works of 
the law are under the curse : for it is written, Cursed is 
every one that continueth not in all things which are 
written in the book of the law to do them. 

Gal. iii. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the 
curse of the law, being made a curse for us. 

148. What use is the Law to us ? 

The Law is our rule or the directory 
of our conduct; it holds, as it were, a 



8p A CHRISTIAN 

glass or mirror before us and shows us 
our sinful and lost state by nature ; thus 
it becomes our school master to bring us 
to Christ, through whom alone we can 
gain life and salvation. 

Gal. iii. 24. Wherefore the law was our school- 
master to bring us unto Christ, that we might be jus- 
tified by faith. 

149. Did the Israelites have any other 
laws ? 

In addition to the moral law in the 
decalogue the Israelites also had 

1. The Civil Law, which regulated 

their conduct as citizens, and 

2. The Levitical Law, which regu- 
lated the ceremonies at their religious 
services in the temple, but which ended 
with the advent of Christ. 

Rom. x. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for 
righteousness to every one that believeth. 

Col. ii. 16, 17. Let no man therefore judge you in 
meat or in drink, or in respect of a holy-day, or of the 
new-moon, or of the sabbath days. Wlrch are a 
shadow of things to come; but the body is of 
Christ. 



Catechism. 8 1 

150. What is the Gospel? 

The Gospel is the good tidings and 

doctrine of Christ, or of the promised 

grace, goodness and mercy of God for 

Christ's sake. The Law condemns us 

as sinners, the Gospel proclaims to us 

grace and salvation. 

Rom. i. 16. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of 
Christ ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to 
every one that believeth ; to the Jew first, and also to 
the Greek. 

The Sacraments. 

151. Which are the other means of 
grace ? 

The other means of grace beside the 
Word of God are the Sacraments. To 
which some also add Prayer. 

152. What are the Sacraments ? 

The Sacraments are holy covenants 
with God, or renewals of our covenant 
with him, by the use of external, divinely 
appointed means, wherein God offers, 



82 A CHRISTIAN 

communicates and seals ^ us his grace 
in Christ. 

153. How many Sacraments are there? 
Christ instituted two Sacraments ; 

namely, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. 

Baptism. 

154. What is the Sacrament of Bap- 
tism ? 

Baptism is that Sacrament wherein by 
the application of water in the name of 
the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost, the Triune God, we enter 
into a covenant with him. Matt, xxviii. 19. 

Titus iii. 5. Not by works of righteousness which 
we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us 
by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the 
Holy Ghost. 

155. Who are proper subjects for Bap- 
tism ? 

All who have truly repented of their 
sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ 
are proper subjects for Baptism. Chil- 



CATECHISM. • 83 

dren of believing parents should also be 
baptized. 

Acts ii. 38. Repent and be baptized, every one of 
you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of 
sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost. 

Acts ii. 39. For the promise is to you and your 
children. 

Luke xviii. 16. Jesus called them unto him, and 
said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and for- 
bid them not; for of such is the kingdom of 
heaven. 

The Lord's Supper. 

156. What is the Sacrament of the 
Lord's Supper? 

The Lord's Supper is that sacrament 
wherein, under the external symbols of 
bread and wine, we receive Christ's body 
and blood: 

1. In remembrance of his death; 

2. For the remission of our sins; 

3. For the renewal of our baptismal 
covenant; and 

4. For union of believers with Christ 
and among themselves. 



84 A CHRISTIAN 

I Cor. xi. 23, 24. The Lord Jesus, the same night 
in which he was betrayed, took bread, And when he 
had given thanks he brake it, and said, Take, eat, 
this is my body, which is broken for you. 

I Cor. xi. 23. Do this in remembrance of me. 

I Cor. xi. 26. For as often as ye eat of this bread 
and drink of this cup, ye do show forth the Lord's 
death till he come. 

Matt. xxvi. 27, 28. And he took the cup and gave 
thanks and gave it to them saying, Drink ye all of it ; 
for this is my blood of the New Testament, which is 
shed for many for the remission of sins. 

I Cor. x. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless, 
is it not the communion of the blood of Christ ? the 
bread which we break, is it not the communion of the 
body of Christ ? 

1 Cor. x. 17. For we being many are one bread, 
and one body : for we are partakers of that one bread. 

157. By what names is the Sacrament 
of the Lord's Supper called? 

It is called by the following names : 

1. The Lord's Supper, (1 Cor. xi. 20) 
because it was instituted by Christ at 
night ; 

2. The Lord's Table, (1 Cor. x. 21) 
because it was first partaken of by the 
disciples, while declining around a table, 



CATECHISM. 85 

and this custom was doubtless followed 
by the early Christians. 

3. The Communion, (1 Cor. x. 16, 17) 
because it is a celebration of the union 
of believers with Christ and among 
themselves ; 

4. The Eucharist, or giving of thanks, 
(Matt. xxvi. 30) because it is customary 
to sing hymns of thanksgiving during 
the celebration of the Lord's Supper, 
which is a " commemoration of all the 
blessings of God, that culminate in re- 
demption by the blood of Christ." 

5. It is also called the Sacrament of 
the Altar, (Heb. xiii. 10) a as a celebra- 
tion of the atonine sacrifice of Christ*" 

158. Which are the zvords of the insti- 
tution of the Lord's Supper ? 

The holy Evangelists, Matthew, Mark 
and Luke, together with St. Paul, write 
thus; 



86 A CHRISTIAN 

" Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same 
night in which he was betrayed, took 
bread ; and when he had given thanks, 
he brake it, and gave it to the disciples, 
and said, Take, eat ; this is my body 
which is given for you : this do in re- 
membrance of me. 

" After the same manner also he took 
the cup, when he had supped, gave 
thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 
Drink ye all of it : this cup is the new 
testament in my blood, which is shed for 
you, for the remission of sins : this do 
ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance 
of me," 

1 59. What is meant by the consecration 
of the elements ? 

By the consecration of the elements is 
meant the setting apart, or devoting a 
sufficient quantity of bread and wine for 
use in the Holy Sacrament by prayer 



CATECHISM. 87 

and the repetition of the words of the 
institution. 

160. Who should consecrate and ad- 
minister the elements in the Holy Com- 
munion ? 

Only properly appointed ministers of 
the Gospel should consecrate and ad- 
minister the elements in the Holy Com- 
munion. 

I Cor. ix. 3. They who minister about holy things. 
1 Cor. xiv. 40. Let all things be done decently 
and in order. 

151. Which are the external elements 
used in the Lords Supper ? 

The external elements are bread and 
wine. The bread may be either leav- 
ened or unleavened, and the wine should 
be the uncorrupted, unadulterated " fruit 
of the vine." 

Matt. xxvi. 29. But I say unto you, I will not 
drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that 
day when I drink it new with you in my Father's 
kingdom. 



88 A CHRISTIAN 

162. Who should be admitted to the 
Lord's Supper? 

All Christians who have been bap- 
tized and have united with the church 
by a profession of faith, and whose life 
corresponds with their profession. 

163. What should communicants do be- 
fore partaking of the Lord's Supper? 

Before partaking of the Lord's Supper 
communicants should examine them- 
selves, confess their sins, pray for for- 
giveness, and resolve by the help of God 
to live a holier life. 

I Cor. xi. 28. But let a man examine himself, and 
so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. 

164. Who are worthy communicants? 
Those are worthy communicants who 

not only merely think themselves worthy, 
without repentance, faith and a holy life, 
but those who have repented of their 
sins, and humbly trust in Christ, and 
truly believe these words, "Given and 
shed for the remission of sins." 



CATECHISM. 89 

165. Which is the chief thing in the 
Lord's Supper ? 

Besides the bodily eating and drink- 
ing the chief thing in the Sacrament is 
faith in these words, " Given and shed 
for you for the remission of sins. For 
where there is remission of sin, there is 
also life and salvation." 

166. Who is unprepared and unworthy 
to come to the Lord's Supper ? 

He who lives in know r n and voluntary 
sin, and has no true faith, or doubts in 
his mind the truth of Christ's words ; for 
the words, " Given and shed for you," 
require truly believing hearts. 

Romans xiv. 23. And he that doubteth is damned 
if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; for whatso- 
ever is not of faith is sin. 

167. What threatening is pronounced 
against those who commune unworthily f 

They do not recognize the body and 
blood of Christ in the Sacrament, and 



9CT A CHRISTIAN 

hence eat and drink condemnation to 
themselves. 

I Cor. xi. 27, 29. Wherefore whosoever shall eat 
this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, 
shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth 
and drinketh condemnation to himself. 

The Order of Salvation. 

168. What is the Order of Salvation ? 
The Order or Way of Salvation is 

that way by which the Holy Spirit leads 
the sinner to the attainment of grace and 
salvation. 

Luke xiii. 24. Strive to enter in at the strait gate : ; 
for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and 
shall not be able. 

Mark i. 15. The time is fulfilled, and the king- 
dom of heaven is at hand : repent ye, and believe 
the Gospel. 

John vii. 17. If any man will do his will, he shall 
know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether 
I speak of myself. 

169. How do we enter into this order 
or way of salvation ? 

We enter into the order of salvation 
by repentance and conversion. 



CATECHISM. 9-I 

i 70. What is repentance ? 
Repentance is heartfelt sorrow for sin 
and an earnest intention to forsake sin. 

171. What is conversion ? 
Conversion is a change of heart and 

mind, or a turning from sin to holiness, 
thus becoming new creatures in heart 

and mind and will. 

Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes and to turn them 
from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan 
unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, 
and inheritance among them, which are sanctified by 
faith that is in me. 

172. What is embraced in turning aivay 
from sin ? 

When we turn away from sin, we re- 
alize the number and enormity of our 
sins, with heartfelt sorrow and shame, 
and confess, hate, abhor and forsake our 
sins. 

173. What is embraced in turning to 
God? 

Turning to God embraces faith in 



92 A CHRISTIAN 

Christ, wherein we confidently lay hold 
of the merits of Christ, and place our 
whole confidence on the grace of God in 
Christ for life and salvation. 

Acts xvi. 31. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, 
and thou shalt be saved. 

Romans iiL 24. Being justified freely by his grace, 
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 

174. What three truths must be noted 
here ? 

The first truth that must be noted 
here is, That the author of saving faith 
in Christ is the Triune God, Father, Son 
and Holy Ghost, who offers it through 
his word and sacraments. 

Hebrew xii. 2. Looking unto Jesus, the author 
and finisher of our faith. • 

John vi. 29. Jesus answered and said unto them, 
This is the work of God, that ye believe on him 
whom he hath sent. 

1 Cor. xii. 11. But all these worketh that one and 
the self same Spirit, dividing to every man severally 
as he will. 

175. What is the second truth that 
must be noted? 



CATECHISM, 93 

The second truth that must be noted 
is, that the blessings which God confers 
on true faith are Justification, Peace, Joy 
in God, and Salvation. 

Rom. viii. I. There is therefore now no condem- 
nation to them which are in Christ Jesus. 

Romans v. I. Therefore being justified by faith 
we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ. 

Romans xiv. 17. For the kingdom of God is not 
meat and drink, but righteousness, and 'peace, and 
joy in the Holy Ghost. 

John iii. 16. For God so loved the world, that he 
gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth 
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 

176. What results from these blessings? 
From these blessings results the third 

truth to be noted ; namely, the power 
and activity, or the life and work of 
faith. 

John xv. 5. I am the vine, ye are the branches; 
he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth 
forth much fruit : for without me ye can do nothing. 

177. Into how many kinds may faith 
be divided? 



94 A CHRISTIAN 

Faith may be classified into four kinds; 
namely, 

1. Historical faith; 

2. Dead faith ; 

3. Temporary faith ; and 

4. Saving faith. 

178. What is historical faith ? 

Historical faith is that which receives 
or acknowledges the christian religion 
to be true, without obeying its require- 
ments. 

James ii. 19. Thou believest that there is one 
God; thou doestwell; the devils also believe and 
tremble. 

1 79. What is dead faith ? 

Dead faith is a mere outward confes- 
sion by the mouth, wherein one professes 
to be a christian while his heart and life 
do not manifest the fruits of faith. 

James ii. 17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, 
is dead, being alone. 

1 80. What is temporary faith t 



CATECHISM. 95 

Temporary faith is that which is ex- 
ercised by those who enjoy times of 
prosperity, but who fall away in times of 
adversity, temptation or persecution. 

Luke viii. 13. They on the rock are they which 
when they hear, receive the word with joy; and 
these have no root, which for a while believe, and in 
time of temptation fall away. 

181. How does saving faith manifest 
itself? 

Saving faith manifests itself by its 
fruits, or good works, which flow from 
the obedience of faith, and which are 
performed in accordance with the will of 
God. 

Matt. v. 16. Let your light so shine before men 
that they may see your good works, and glorify your 
Father which is in heaven. 

The Apostles' Creed. 

182. Can you give a summary of the 
doctrines of the Christian faith which are 
necessary to our salvation f 

A brief summary of the essential doc- 



96 A CHRISTIAN 

trines of the Christian faith is contained 
in the Apostles' Creed, which is con- 
fessed by all Christian denominations. 

183. Why is it called the Apostles' 
Creed? 

It is called the Apostles' Creed, not 
because it was composed by the Apos- 
tles, but because it is in strict accord- 
ance with the teachings and the very 
words of the apostolic writings. It grew 
up gradually during the second and 
third centuries from the confession of 
Peter (Matt. xvi. 16), and the Baptismal 
formula, (Matt, xxviii 19). It reads as 
follows : 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, 
maker of heaven and earth; and in 
Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord ; 
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, 
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under 
Pontius Pilate ; was crucified, dead, and 



CATECHISM. 97 

buried ; he descended into hell ;* the 
third day he rose from the dead ; he as- 
cended into heaven, and sitteth on the 
right hand of God the Father Almighty; 
from thence he shall come to judge the 
quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy 
Christian Church ; the Communion of 
Saints; the forgiveness of sins ; the res- 
urrection of the body, and the life ever- 
lasting. Amen. 

Good Works. 

i 84. In what ways does a living faith 
manifest itself in bringing forth good 
fruits or works ? 

A living faith manifests itself in us in 
the. folio wing ways : 

1. When we watch over ourselves. 



* This is expressed by different denominations in 
the words Hades, or Place of Departed Spirits. But 
none teach that Christ descended into hell and suf- 
fered its torments. 



gS A CHRISTIAN 

having a care of every thing that takes 
place within or without us, whether it 
be good or bad. 

I Peter v. 8. Be sober, be vigilant ; because your 
adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, 
seeking whom he may devour. 

2. When we submit ourselves to God, 
and do not permit the world and its 
lusts to draw us away from him. 

John xv. 14. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatso- 
ever I command you. 

I John ii. 15, 16. Love not the world, neither the 
things that are in the world. If any man love the 
world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all 
that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust 
of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the father, 
but of the world. 

3. When we follow Christ and adopt 
his example as the rule of our life. 

1 Peter ii. 21. For even hereunto were ye called ; 
because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an ex- 
ample, that ye should follow his steps. 

4. When we take up the cross and 
patiently suffer every thing which for 



CATECHISM. 99 

Christ's sake and his righteousness is 
imposed upon us. 

Luke ix. 23. And he said to them all, If any man 
will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up 
his cross and follow me. 

Acts v. 41. And they departed from the presence 
of the council, rejoicing that they were counted 
worthy to suffer shame for his name. 

5. When we pray without ceasing. 

Luke xviii. 1. And he spake a parable unto them 
to the end that men ought always to pray, and not to 
faint. 

1 Thess. v. 17. Pray without ceasing. 

6. When we fight against Satan, the 
world, and indwelling sin. 

Eph. vi. 11. Put on the whole armor of God, that 
ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

1 John ii. 15. Love not the world, neither the 
things that are in the world. If any man love the 
world, the love of the Father is not in him. 

1 John v. 4. For whatsoever is born of God over- 
cometh the world ; and this is the victory that over- 
cometh the world, even our faith. 

Gal. v. 16, 17, 24. This I say then, Walk in the 
Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. 

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the 
Spirit against the flesh ; and these are contrary the 
one to the other ; so that ye can not do the things 
that ye would. 



100 A CHRISTIAN 

And they that are Christ's have crucified -the flesh 
with the affections and lusts. 

7. When we contribute according to 
our means to help the poor, sustain the 
church, and send the Gospel to the des- 
titute. 

The Recipients of Grace. 

185. Who are the recipients of grace ? 

The recipients of grace are the mem- 
bers of the Christian Church, or the Com- 
munion of Saints. 

Eph. ii. 20, 22. And are built upon the founda- 
tion of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being 
the chief corner stone. 

In whom ye are builded together for an habitation 
of God through the Spirit. 

186. How may the Christian Church 
be divided? 

The Christian Church may be di- 
vided into the visible and the invisible 
church. 

187. Who constitute the Visible church? 
All those who make an outward or 



CATECHISM. IOI 

open profession of the Christian religion 
constitute the visible church. 

1 88. Who constitute the Invisible church 
of Christ on earth ? ~ 

Those who not only make an outward 
profession of Christianity, but who are 
also regenerated by the Holy Spirit and 
lead a life of faith and obedience are 
members of Christ's invisible and true 
church on earth. 

The External State of Christians. 

i 89. In what external states do Chris- 
tians also exist ? 

There are three external states in 
which Christians exist in this world. 

1. The worldly state which consists of 

rulers and subjects. 

Rom. xiii. 1-4. Let every soul be subject unto the 
higher powers. For there is no power but of God; 
the powers that be are ordained of God, &c. 

2. The spiritual state, consisting of 



102 A CHRISTIAN 

teachers and learners, or preachers and 
hearers. 

Acts xx. 28. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, 
and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost 
hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, 
which he hath purchased with his own blood. 

Hebrews xiii. 17. Obey them that have the rule 
over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch over 
your souls as they that must give account, that they 
may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is 
-unprofitable to you. 

3. The domestic or family state, con- 
sisting of husband and wife, parents and 
children, masters and servants. 

Eph. vi. 1-9. Children, obey your parents, etc. 

Titus ii. 9. Exhort servants to be obedient unto 
their own masters. 

1 Peter ii. 18. Servants be subject to your mas- 
ters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, 
but also to the froward. 

The State of Glory. 

190. Into what state are Christians 
transferred out of the state of grace ? 

Out of the state of grace Christians 
are transferred into the state of glory. 



CATECHISM. IO3 

191. What will be our condition in the 
state of glory ? 

In the state of glory we shall fully re- 
gain the image of God, which was lost 
in the fall, and all the blessings con- 
nected therewith. 

2 Tim. iv. 18. And the Lord shall deliver me 
from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his 
heavenly kingdom. 

192. WJicn do we enter into this state 
of glory ? 

We enter into this state of glory at 

death and the resurrection from the 

dead. 

John v. 28, 29. Marvel not at this ; for the hour 
is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall 
hear his voice. 

And shall come forth ; they that have done good 
unto the resurrection of life ; and they that have done 
evil unto the resurrection of damnation. 

193. Is the resurrection of our bodies 
possible ? 



104 A CHRISTIAN 

Yes; because God knows where our 
dust remains, and is able to gather it 
again. All things are possible with God. 

194. Why is the resurrection of the 
body necessary? 

The resurrection of the body is neces- 
sary and certain on account of the truth 
and justice of God, for then every one 
shall be rewarded for the deeds which 
he has done in the same body and soul 
in which he lived on earth. 

195. What else will precede the state 
of glory f 

The last Judgment will precede the 
state of glory. 

2 Cor. v. 10. For we must all appear before the 
Judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive 
the things done in his body, according to that he hath 
done, whether it be good or bad. 



CATECHISM. I05 

196. Why will Christ be the Judge at 
the last judgment ? 

Christ will be the Judge at the last 
judgment, because he is the author of 
the law of works, and also of the law of 
faith, and will therefore maintain the 
honor of his law by rewarding the 
righteous and punishing the wicked. 

Rom. iii. 27. Where is boasting then? It is ex- 
cluded. By what law ? of works ? Nay ; but by the 
law of faith. 

Matt. xxv. 34. Then shall the King say unto them 
on his right hand, Come ye blessed of my Father, in- 
herit the kingdom prepared for you from the fouda- 
tion of the world. 

Matt. xxv. 4 1 . Then shall he say also to them on 
his left hand, Depart from me ye cursed, into ever- 
lasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. 

2 Peter iii. 3-7, Knowing this first, that there shall 
come in the last days scoffers, etc. 

197. Who will be the accusers and wit- 
nesses at the last judgment? 

The accusers and witnesses at the last 
judgment will be 



106 A CHRISTIAN 

1. Satan ; 

2. Conscience ; 

3. The Law; and also, 

4. Associates in wickedness. 

Rev. xii. 10. And I heard a loud voice saying in 
heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength,, and the 
kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ : for 
the accuser of our brethren is cast down which ac- 
cused them before our God day and night. 

Jer. xvii. I. The sin of Judah is written with a pen 
of iron, and with the point of a diamond; it is graven 
upon the table of their heart. 

Rev. xx. 12. And I saw the dead small and great 
stand before God ; and the books were opened : and 
another book was opened, which is the book of life ; 
and the dead were judged out of those things which 
were written in the books, according to their works. 

John v. 45. There is one that accuseth you, even 
Moses in whom ye trust. 

198. What is the rule according to 
which we shall be judged ? 

The rule according to which we shall 
be judged stands recorded in John iii. 
16, 18: For God so loved the world 
that he gave his only begotten Son, that 
whosoever believet'h in him should not 
perish, but have everlasting life ; 



CATECHISM. I07 

He that believeth on him is not con- 
demned; but he that believeth not is 
condemned already, because he hath not 
believed in the name of the only begot- 
ten Son of God. 

199. What will be the final judgment 
pronounced and the executio?i of that 
judgment ? 

The words of the final judgment are 
recorded in Matt. xxv. 34, 41, 46 : Then 
shall the King say unto them on his 
right hand, Come, ye blessed of my 
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared 
for you from the foundation of the world; 

Then shall he say also unto them on 
his left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, 
into everlasting fire, prepared for the 
devil and his angels ; 

And these shall go away into ever- 
lasting punishment; but the righteous 
into lite eternal. 



108 A CHRISTIAN 

200. What will follow after the judg- 
ment ? 4 

After the judgment will come the end 
of the world. 

Matt. xxiv. 35. Heaven and earth shall pass away, 
but my words shall not pass away. 

201. Wherein will this state of glory 

consist ? 

The state of glory will consist in this : 

1. We shall see God as he is. 1 John 

iii. 2 ; Matt. v. 8. 

2. We shall be like Christ and the 
holy angels. Matt. xxii. 30 ; Dan. xii. 
3 ; I Cor. xv. 40-48. 

3. We shall be blessed and happy in 
our souls and in our bodies. Rev. xiv.13. 

4. We shall serve God day and night 
in his holy temple. Rev. vii. 14-17. 

202. What will be the eternal state of 

the zvicked? 

The eternal state of the wicked is de- 
scribed in Rev. xxi. 8; xxii. 15. 



catechism. i09 

Our Duties in Life. 

203. What are our duties in life ? 
Our duties in life are threefold : 

1. Our duty to God ; 

2. Our duty to ourselves ; and 

3. Our duty to our neighbor. 

204. How may these duties be briefly 

expressed ? 

Our duties may be thus briefly ex- 
pressed : 

1. Towards God we should live pi- 
ously : 

2. Towards ourselves we 'should live 
temperately ; and 

3. Towards our neighbors we should 
act justly. 

Titus ii. 12. Teaching us that, Denying ungodli- 
ness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, right- 
eously and godly in this present world. 

205. What are the duties which we 
owe to God called? 

The duties which we owe to God, 



IIO A CHRISTIAN 

together with their performance,are called 
religion, also the service of God. 

Rom. xii. I. I beseech you therefore, brethren, 
by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a 
living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is 
your reasonable service. 

206. How may the service of God be 

divided? 

The service of God may be divided 
into an internal and an external service. 

207. Wherein does the internal service 
of God consist? 

The internal service of God consists in 
these four particulars : 

1. That we love God with all our 
heart. 

Matt. xxii. 37. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, 
with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all 
thy mind. 

2. That we cherish a filial fear of God. 

I Peter i. 17. And if ye call on the Father, who 
without respect of persons, judgeth according to every 
man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in 
fear. 



CATECHISM. Ill 

3. That we place our entire trust and 
confidence in God. 

Psalm cxviii. 8, 9. It is better to trust in ihe Lord, 
than to put confidence in man. 

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confi- 
dence in princes. 

4. That we submit ourselves cheer- 
fully to the care and guidance of God. 

Psalm xxvii. 5. For in the time of trouble he shall 
hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his taber- 
nacle shall he hide me ; he shall set me up upon a 
rock. 

208. Wherein does the external service 
of God consist ? 

The external service of God consists 
in the following four particulars : 
' 1. In the profession of the truth and 
the exercises of religion. 

Rom. x. 9, 10. That if thou shalt confess with thy 
mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine 
heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou 
shalt be saved. 

For with the heart man believeth unto righteous- 
ness ; and with the mouth confession is made unto 
salvation. 



112 A CHRISTIAN 

"2. In faithfulness to our vows and 
promises. 

Psalm lxxvi. II. Vow and pay unto the Lord 
your God. 

3. In prayer, praise and thanksgiving 
to God. 

Matt. vii. 7. Ask, and it shall be given you ; seek, 
and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto 
you. 

Psalm ciii. I. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and 
all that is within me, bless his holy name. 

Eph. v. 20. Giving thanks always for all things 
unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord 
Jesus Christ. 

4. In the keeping of his command- 
ments. 

I John v. 3. For this is the love of God, that we 
keep his commandments; and his commandments 
are not grievous. 

209. What are the means for the pro- 
motion of the service of God ? 

The means for the promotion of relig- 
ion or the service of God are threefold ; 
namely, 



CATECHISM. 113 

1. The reading and hearing of the 
word of God, which should be accom- 
panied with, 

a. Prayer for the enlightening of the 
Holy Spirit ; 

b. Meditation and self-examination ; 
and 

c. Its application for our edification 
and improvement in life. 

2. The sanctification of the Sabbath ; 

3. The proper use of the sacrament. 

Acts xvii. 1 1 . These were more noble than those 
in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with 
all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures 
daily, whethe • those things were so. 

James i. 22. But be ye doers of the word, and not 
hearers only, deceiving your own souls. 

Luke xi 28. But he said, Yea, rather blessed are 
they that hear the word of God, and keep it. 

Exodus xx. 8. Remember the sabbath day to 
keep it holy. 

Gen. ii. 3. And God blessed the seventh day and 
sanctified it ; because that in it he had rested from all 
his work which God created and made. 

Acts ii. 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, 
and be baptized every one of you, in the name of 



114 A CHRISTIAN. 

Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall 
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

I Cor. xi. 28. But let a man examine himself, and 
so let him eat of this bread, and drink of this cup. 

The Duties Which We Owe to 
Ourselves. 

210. Wherein do the duties which we 
owe to ourselves consist? 

Our duties to ourselves consist in 
moderation and self-denial, wherein we 
suppress, for God's sake, our sinful in- 
clinations. 

Matt. xvi. 24. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, 
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, 
and take up his cross and follow me. 

211. What are the duties which we 
owe to our own souls ? 

It is our duty to seek the welfare of 
our own souls in order that we may 

1. Obtain the rest of our souls in 
Christ ; 

2. Be wise as serpents and harmless 
as doves : 



CATECHISM. 115 

3. Watch and pray ; 

4. Increase in the knowledge of divine 
things ; 

5. Be faithful in our calling, and thus 
keep our hearts pure and our conscience 
clear. 

Matt. xi. 28. Come unto me, all ye that labor and 
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Matt. x. 16. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in. 
the midst of wolves ; be ye therefore wise as serpents 
and harmless as doves. 

Matt. xxvi. 41. Watch and pray that ye enter not 
into temptation. 

1 Peter v. 8. Be sober, be vigilant ; because your 
adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about 
seeking whom he may devour. 

2 Tim. iii. 15. And that from a child thou hast 
known the holy scriptures, which are able to make 
thee wise unto salvation. 

I Cor. iv. 2. Moreover, it is required in stewards 
that a man be found faithful. 

Acts xxiv. 16. And herein do I exercise myself 
to have always a conscience void of offence toward 
God, and toward men. 

212. What are the dtities which we 
owe to our bodies ? 



Il6 A CHRISTIAN 

The duties which we owe to our 
bodies are 

i. To provide them with suitable food, 
drink and clothing ; 

2. To work, or labor faithfully and 
diligently ; 

3. To use our senses and our mem- 
bers properly, so as not to apply them 
to presumptuous or sinful uses ; 

4. To conduct ourselves decently and 
orderly in our actions, words and cloth- 
ing; 

5. To preserve our bodies in chastity 
and purity. 

Romans xiii. 13. Let us walk honestly as in the day ; 
not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering 
and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 

Eph. iv. 28. Let him that stole, steal no more : 
but rather let him labor, working with his hands the 
thing which is good, that he may have to give to him 
that needeth. 

Romans vi. 12. Let not sin therefore reign in your 
mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts 
thereof. 



CATECHISM. 117 

I Coi. xiv. 40. Let all things be done decently 
and in order. 

Hebrews xiii. 4. Marriage is honorable in all, 
and the bed undefiled; but whoremongers and 
adulterers God will judge. 

213. Against what three principal vices 
should christians be particularly watchful? 

Christians should watch especially 
against 

1. Avarice; 

2. Ambition ; and 

3. Lust. 

214. How should we watch against 
avarice ? 

1. By learning to be content with our 
condition in life ; 

2. By committing ourselves and all 
we have faithfully to God's care. 

1 Tim. vi. 6, 8. But godliness with contentment is 
great gain. 

And having food and raiment, let us be therewith 
content. 

Matt. vi. 33. But seek ye first the kingdom of 
God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall 
be added unto you. 



I I 8 A CHRISTIAN 

215. Why should zve guard against 
ambition ? 

We should guard against ambition, 

because it is associated with meanness, 

Inasmuch as an ambitious person wishes 

to please the world, and therefore seeks 

his honor in the transitory and often 

sinful things of this world. 

Phil. ii. 3. Let nothing be done through strife or 
vain glory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem 
others better than themselves. 

216. Wherein does the highest honor 
of the christian consist? 

The highest honor of the christian 
consists 

1. In the practice of the christian vir- 
tues ; and 

2. In humility, wherein we are sensi- 
ble of our own imperfections, and mod- 
estly do not think higher of ourselves 
than we ought to think. 



CATECHISM. II9 

Phil. iv. 8. Finally brethren, whatsoever things 
are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever 
things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatso- 
ever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good 
report : if there be any yirtue, and if there be any 
praise, think on these things. 

Rom. vii. 18. For I know that in me (that is in 
my flesh) dwelleth no good thing ; for to will is pres- 
ent with me ; but how to perform that which is good, 
I find not. 

Rom. xii. 3. For I say, through the grace given 
unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think 
of himself more highly than he ought to think ; but 
to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every 
man the measure of faith. 

217. How should we watch against 
lust ? 

We watch against lust when we do 
not yield to our sinful desires, but sup- 
press them for God's sake. 

Romans viii. 13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye 
shall die ; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the 
deeds of the body, ye shall live. 

Titus ii. 11, 12. For the grace of God that bring- 
eth salvation hath appeared to all men. 

Teaching us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly 
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, 
in this present world. 

218. What does the word of God ex- 



120 A CHRISTIAN 

hort us to do in the suppression of sinful 
desires ? 

The word of God exhorts us to be 

sober and to watch and pray. 

I Peter v. 8. Be sober, be vigilant ; because your 
adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, 
seeking whom he may devour. 

Luke xxi. 36. Watch ye therefore, and pray al- 
ways, etc. 

219. What are our duties towards our- 
selves in times of trouble and misfortune f 

In times of trouble and misfortune we 
should 

1. Strengthen ourselves in the Lord 
and pray to him for help ; 

2. Exercise patience in enduring 
affliction. 

Eph. vi. 10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in 
the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

Luke xvii. 5. And the apostles said, Lord, in- 
crease our faith. 

Rom. xii. 12. Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribu- 
lation ; continuing instant in prayer. 



catechism. 121 

The Duties Which We Owe to Our 
Neighbor. 

220. Wherein are the duties to our 
neighbor embraced? 

The duties to our neighbor are em- 
braced in pure love to him, and in right- 
eous conduct towards him. 

Romans xiii. 8. Owe no man anything, but to 
love one another ; for he th^t loveth another hath ful- 
filled the law. 

Isaiah i. 17. Learn to do well; seek judgment, 
relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for 
the widow. 

221. What is the nature of love to our 
neighbor ; that is to all men ? 

The love to our neighbor is threefold; 
namely, 

1. Love in general ; 

2. Love of the brethren ; and 

3. Love of our enemies. 

Gal. v. 14. For all the law is fulfilled in one 
word, even in this ; Thou shalt love thy neighbor a§ 
thyself. 



122 A CHRISTIAN 

222. What does love in general dispose 
us to do to our neighbor ? 
Love in general disposes us 

1. To feel kindly toward our neighbor 
and rejoice in his prosperity. 

i Cor. xiii. 1-7. Though I speak with the tongues 
of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I 
am become a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal, etc. 

2. To show mercy to him, by sympa- 
thizing with him in trouble and yielding 
him all possible assistance. 

Luke vi. 36. Be ye therefore merciful, as your 
Father also is merciful. 

3. To exercise meekness, so as not to 
take revenge upon him for any injuries 
he may have done us. 

Rom. xii. 19. Dearly beloved, avenge not your- 
selves, but rather give place unto wrath, for it is writ- 
ten, Vengeance is mine ; I will repay, saith the Lord. 

4. To exhibit mildness, in that, we do 
not too severely, or needlessly reprove 
his faults. 

Phil. iv. 5. Let your moderation be known unto 
all men. The Lord is at hand. 



CATECHISM. 123 

5. To act friendly toward him and let 
him see our love to him by our words 
and actions. 

Eph. iv. 32. And be ye kind one to another, ten- 
der hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for 
Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 

6. To seek to promote his true wel- 
fare in the best possible way. 

I Peter iv. 10. As every man hath received the 
gift, even so minister the same one to another, as 
good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 

223. How do we exercise fraternal love, 
or love to the brethren ? 

We exercise fraternal love to our 
neighbor by being helpful to him in 
spiritual and bodily things. 

224. How can we be helpful to him in 
spiritual things ? 

We can be helpful to our neighbor in 
spiritual things, 

1. When we restrain him from sin. 

James v. 19, 20. Brethren, if any of you do err 
from the truth, and one convert him : 

Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner 



124 A CHRISTIAN 

from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, 
and shall hide a multitude of sins. 

2. When we edify him and encourage 
him in doing good. 

I Thess. v. II. Wherefore comfort yourselves 
together and edify one another, even as also ye do. 

3. When we reprove him faithfully 
and show him his errors, but we must 
do this in love and earnestness. 

The steps are recorded in Matthew 
xviii. 15-17. 

Gal. iii. 1. O foolish Galatians, who hath be- 
'"witched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before 
whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth 
crucified among you ? 

Gal. v. 7. Ye did run well ; who did hinder you 
that ye should not obey the truth ? 

4. When we avoid hate, spite and 
quarrelsomeness. 

Eph. iv. 31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and 
anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away 
from you with all malice. 

5. And when we much more seek 
to promote peace and harmony. 



CATECHISM. 125 

Eph. iv. 3. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the 
Spirit in the bond of peace. 

225. How can we be helpful to our 
neighbor in bodily tilings ? 

We can be helpful to our neighbor in 
bodily things, 

1. By our willingness to serve him. 

I Peter iv. 10. As every man hath received the 
gift, even so minister the same one to another, as 
good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 

2. By our hospitality to him. 

Hebrews xiii. 2. Be not forgetful to entertain 
strangers : for thereby some have entertained angels 
unawares. 

3. By our benevolence toward him, 
which lays the foundation to unity. 

Hebrews xiii. 16. But to do good, and to commu- 
nicate, forget not : for with such sacrifices God is well 
pleased. 

Psalm cxxxiii. 1. Behold, how good and how 
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. 

The Love of Our Enemies. 

226. In what way should we love our 
enemies ? 



126 A CHRISTIAN 

1. We should love our enemies sin- 
cerely, (although we hate the evil which 
they do), and labor for their amendment. 

Matt. v. 44. But I say unto you, Love your ene- 
mies, bless them that curse you, do good to them 
that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully 
use you, and persecute you. 

Eph. v. 1 1 . And have no fellowship with the un- 
fruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 

2. We should endure their faults with 
patience. 

Eph. iv. 1, 2. I therefore, the prisoner of the 
Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the voca- 
tion wherewith ye are called, 

With all lowliness and meekness, with long suffer- 
ing, forbearing one another in love. 

3. We should seek reconciliation with 
them. 

Matt, xviii. 35. So likewise shall my heavenly 
Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts for- 
give not every one his brother their trespasses. 

4. We should guard against envy, 
hatred and wrath. 

Rom. xiii. 13. Let us walk honestly as in the day; 
not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering 
and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 



CATECHISM. 127 

- 227. Wherein does righteousness to- 
ward our neighbor consist ? 

Righteousness toward our neighbor 
consists herein, that we do to him all 
that we would wish him to do to us, if 
we were in his place. 

Luke vi. 31. And as ye would that men should do 
to you, do ye also to them likewise. 

Rom. xiii. 8. Owe no man anything, but to love 
one another; for he that loveth another hath fulfilled 
the law. 

228. How is this done? 
It is done, 

1. When we speak the truth; or so 
speak of any person, or thing or event as 
it actually exists, or occurred, to the 
best of our knowledge and belief. 

Eph. iv. 21, 25. If so be that ye have heard him, 
and been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus. 

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man 
truth with his neighbor : for we are members one of 
another. 

2. When we act honestly, and speak 
as we feel in our hearts ; and also 



128 A CHRISTIAN 

conduct ourselves outwardly as we feel 
in our hearts. 

Psalm ci. 3. I will set no wicked thing before 
mine eyes : I hate the work of them that turn aside ; 
it shall not cleave to me. 

1 Chron. xxix. 17. I know also, my God, that 
thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. 

3. Also we should be careful to act 
and speak, so as not to cause the weak 
in faith to stumble, or take offence, nor 
should we, intentionally, give such in- 
formation as may result in harm to our 
neighbor. 

John xvi. 12. I have yet many things to say unto 
you, but ye can not bear them now. 

I Cor. viii. 13. Wherefore, if meat make my 
brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the World 
standeth. 

Romans xiv. 21. It is good, neither to eat flesh, 
nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother 
stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 

229. How is righteousness exercised in 
contracts or agreements ? 

In contracts, or agreements, (in which, 



CATECHISM. 129 

however, there must not be anything 
sinful). we should 

1. Have confidence in each other, 
which consists in believing the person, 
with whom we enter into contract, to be 
honest and honorable in his intentions 

towards us. 

I Cor. xiii. 7. (Love) Beareth all things, believeth 
all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 

2. Carry out faithfully everything to 
which any contract or engagement 

binds us. 

Luke xii. 42. And the Lord said, Who then is 
that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall 
make ruler over his household, to give them their 
portion of meat in due season ? 

3. Be thankful for favors received, es- 
pecially when such favors are received 
from our parents or superiors. 

Eph. vi. 1-3. Children, obey your parents in the 
Lord ; for this is right. 

Honor thy father and thy mother ; which is the 
first commandment with promise. 

That it may be well with thee and that thou mayest 
live long on the earth. 



I3O A CHRISTIAN. 

FAMILY PRAYERS. 



SUNDAY MORNING. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, We thank thee 
for the light of this new sabbath morning, which we 
have been permitted to see in so much favor and 
mercy. And now, as the natural sun has arisen and 
dispelled the darkness and spread the beautiful light 
of day over the earth, so let the light of thy counte- 
nance shine upon us. O, do thou enlighten us with 
wisdom from on high. May this day our faith be 
strengthened, may our hopes be brightened, may our 
hearts be warmed with love to God and man, may all 
our christian graces be renewed and enlarged. 

We confess our unworthiness, our natural depravity 
and corruption, and our sins and shortcomings in 
practice. Lord, subdue within us whatever is con- 
trary to thy mind and will. May our hearts become 
living temples and our lives living sacrifices. May we 
daily grow in the grace of God and in the knowledge 
of Christ. 

We pray for those who shall this day minister in thy 
holy sanctuary. Give them an unction from the Holy 
Ghost. May every impression of thy word be ren- 
dered permanent and saving. May we be in the 
Spirit on the Lord's day and pitch our tents near the 
gate of heaven. And when we shall no longer wor- 
ship thee in temples here on earth, may we be re- 
ceived into that house not made with hands, whose 
builder and maker is God, eternal in the heavens ; and 
thou, Father, Son and Holy Ghost shalt have all the 
praise, now and evermore. Amen. 



CATECHISM. I3I 

SUNDAY EVENING. 

Our Heavenly Father, we desire to close this Holy 
Sabbath day, looking up to thee for a blessing. We 
thank thee for all the tokens of thy mercy which we 
have enjoyed this day, And now as the night has 
closed around us let thay banner over us be love. 

We bless and praise thee for thine unspeakable gift, 
the Son of thy love, to become our Redeemer. All our 
hope of salvation comes from Him. We rejoice that 
Jesus is as willing as he is able " to save to the utter- 
most," all who will come to God through him. Lord, 
we come, casting ourselves on the fulness of thy grace, 
in Him. Sanctify us wholly, in body, soul and spirit. 
Subdue our wills, and bring them to entire obedience 
to thy most holy will. When called to the perform- 
ance of any duty or the endurance of any trial, may 
we say from our hearts, " Lord, here am I. Thy will 
be done." O that thy love may be enthroned as the 
ruling passion of our souls, and thy glory the end of 
our being. Fulfill in our experience thine own gracious 
promise : " I will dwell in them, and walk with them, 
and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." 

Do thou follow with thy rich blessing all the services 
of the sanctuary this day. May thy word be quick and 
powerful upon the hearts and consciences of the hear- 
ers. May the impressions made not die away, but 
remain deep and lasting. 

W 7 e commit ourselves to thy care this night. Do thou 
watch over us during the unconscious hours of sleep. 
May we awake in the morning in thy favor; so that 
every new day, being spent to thy glory, may find us 
better fitted for entering on the joys of thine everlasting 
kingdom ; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. 



132 A CHRISTIAN 

MONDAY MORNING. 

O Lord, thou art the King of kings and Lord of 
lords. Angels and archangels adore thee, seraphim and 
cherubim veil their faces in thy presence, and cry out 
holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts, heaven and earth 
are full of his glory. We who are also the creatures 
of thy hand and the pensioners of thy bounty, would 
unite with saints and angels in this thrice holy that 
resounds before thy throne. Thou hast endowed us 
with rational minds and immortal souls, and thou hast 
sent thy Son into the world to redeem us from sin and 
eternal death and make us eternally and unspeakably 
happy. Blessed be thy name that though thou art 
the greatest of all beings thou dost stoop to hear our 
prayers and listen to our wants. 

Blessed Savior, thou art waiting to be gracious. All 
the mighty load of our guilt we would transfer to thee, 
our adorable surety. Thou hast already satisfied the 
requirements of a righteous law. As our kinsman and 
elder brother thou art now within the veil ; as willing 
as thou ever wast to save unto the uttermost. 

O Lord, our heavenly Father, we are pilgrims and 
sojourners here, as all our fathers were. We are wan- 
dering through this wilderness world toward the heav- 
enly Canaan, the home which thou hast promised to 
all who truly love and serve thee. May we make the 
salvation of our souls, the welfare of our fellow men 
and the glory of God our constant aim May we walk 
in that straight and narrow path that leads to eternal 
life, turning neither to the right nor to the left, but 
press on toward the mark of our high calling, looking 
to Christ Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. 
We ask every blessing in the name of Chris*-. Amen. 



CATECHISM. I33 

MONDAY EVENING. 

O Lord God, we thank thee that thou hast established 
a great kingdom on earth, and hast appointed thine 
own beloved Son to be the king over it. Help us to 
come into this kingdom not merely as nominal mem- 
bers of it, but by sincere repentance of our sins and by 
a living faith in Jesus Christ. We bless thee, O God, 
for the promises of pardon and the appointed means 
of grace ; may we be cleansed from our sins by the 
washing of regeneration, may we be baptized not only 
with water, but also by the Holy Spirit, who will sanc- 
tify our hearts and lead us into the knowledge of all 
necessary truth and the practice of every christian vir- 
tue. And having ourselves become members of 
Christ's kingdom, we would pray that this kingdom 
may be everywhere extended in our own land and to 
the ends of the earth, and thy name be glorified, so 
that all men may see the salvation of God. May we 
ever regard Jesus Christ as the only begotten of the 
Father, fuU of grace and truth. And since he has 
condescended to come down from the very bosom of 
the Father to instruct us in his nature and will, we 
would most humbly receive thy commands, and ear- 
nestly pray that we may so know God as faithfully to 
serve him now, and at length enjoy him forever. 

To thy tender care we commit ourselves this night. 
In thy keeping we shall be safe. Give thy holy angels 
charge of us to keep us ; may we rest securely under 
the shadow of thy wings. If it be thy holy will, give 
us undisturbed repose and refreshing sleep to prepare 
us for the duties of the coming day, if it is thy good 
pleasure that we shall see its returning light. We ask 
all for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



134 A CHRISTIAN 

TUESDAY MORNING. 

We thank thee, O Lord God, for thy guardian care 
over us during the darkness of the night, for undis- 
turbed repose, for refreshing sleep and for the return- 
ing light of a new day. O Lord, we realize that our 
days and nights, our weeks and months and years are 
passing on and bearing their records with them. Help 
us so to number our days that we may apply our 
hearts unto wisdom; help us to work and do thy will 
while it is day, for there is no work or device in the 
grave, whither we are hastening. 

O Lord Jesus, thou didst come into this world to 
endure the shame and agony of the cross in order to 
redeem our souls from eternal death and hell. We 
would confess thee with our lips ; we would confess 
thee in the great congregation of thy church; we 
would confess thee before the world ; we would confess 
thee in our lives by a holy walk and conversation ; we 
would confess thee in death as our only hope of a life 
beyond the grave. And O Lord Jesus, thou wilt also 
confess us before thy Father and our Father, and be- 
fore the holy angels in the kingdom of heaven. Make 
us willing, O Christ, to take up our cross and follow 
thee, through ignomy and shame and even persecution 
from the world. Help us to persevere in this good 
warfare even unto the end, and then shall we be able 
to exclaim with Paul, " I am now ready, I have fought 
a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept 
the faith, and now there is laid up for me a crown of 
righteousness which Christ, the righteous Judge shall 
give me in that day, and not to me only, but to all 
those who love his appearing." And thine shall be 
the glory forever. Amen. 



CATECHISM. I35 

TUESDAY EVENING. 

O Lord we draw near to the throne of grace at the 
close of this day to thank thee for the goodness and 
mercy that have followed us thus far. But above all 
we thank thee for thine infinite love in the redemp- 
tion of the world by the Lord Jesus, for the means of 
grace and for the hope of glory. We thank thee that 
thy well-beloved Son has brought in an everlasting 
righteousness; that he has fulfilled thy law and made 
it honorable ; that he suffered on Golgotha to atone for 
our sins ; that he has dispelled the darkness of the 
valley of death and opened the gates of heaven to all 
believers. 

O Lord Jesus we adore thee, we praise thee, we 
magnify thy name ; for thou hast redeemed us with 
thine own most precious blood, and made us kings 
and priests unto God. How shall we sufficiently 
praise thee for all thy goodness to us, and how can we 
ever recompense thee for all thy loving kindness ! 
Words can not express and our hearts cannot conceive 
the debt of gratitude which we owe to thee. All that 
we can do in return, is to give ourselves to thee, a liv- 
ing sacrifice. Here, Lord, we give ourselves to thee, 
soul and body, all that we have and are. O do thou 
accept us graciously and love us freely. Whom have 
we in heaven but thee, and there is none on earth 
that we desire beside thee. O Lord, sanctify us soul 
and body, and make us pure in heart, that we may 
finally obtain the blessing which Jesus promised, 
when he said, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they 
shall see God. And unto thee, Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost, three in one, in covenant for our re- 
demption, shall be all the praise. Amen. 



136 



A CHRISTIAN 



WEDNESDAY MORNING.. 

O Christ, thou light of the world, how can we suffi- 
ciently serve and adore thee for thine infinite love. 
Thou didst forsake thy throne of glory in heaven, the 
adoration of holy angels, and didst come down into 
this world of sin and sorrow to assume our nature, and 
become our brother in the flesh. Thou didst bring 
the light of heaven to earth and reveal it unto men. 
Oh let the sun of righteousness also arise upon us in 
our darkness and illuminate our minds with the light 
from heaven. Angels and seraphim might well be 
amazed at the deep abasements of our adorable Re- 
demer, who though King of kings and Lord of lords 
was born in a stable and cradled in a manger. Yet, 
O blessed Jesus, how much more venerable was that 
stable and manger when graced- by thy sacred pres- 
ence, than the most magnificent palace or shining 
throne ! How ill does it become poor sinners to be 
proud of the vain pomp and grandeur of this world. 

Bless our household and friends : may they all be 
thy friends and may we all have a family resemblance 
to the great head of the church, Jesus Christ, our 
Elder Brother. Our moments are gliding swiftly by; 
forbid that any among us should be seeking oil, like 
the foolish virgins, when the lamp of life is going out. 
Let us be always living with eternity in view; let us 
die daily to sin, and live daily to God, that when the 
hour of our departure arrives, it may be to all of us 
the birthday of a new life in glory everlasting. We 
ask all these blessings for ourselves and for others in 
the name and for the sake of our adorable Lord and 
Savior, who is within the veil interceding for us and 
who ever liveth and reigneth,world without end. Amen. 



CATECHISM. I37 

WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

O Lord Jesus, teach us to pray, as thou didst also 
teach thy disciples to pray. And when we pray with 
our lips may we also pray in our hearts. Thou, O 
God, art a Spirit, and they who would worship thee 
aright must worship thee in spirit and in truth. We 
pray for the coming of thy kingdom, not only in the 
world, but also in our own hearts, that we may do thy 
will on earth as the angels do thy will in heaven. Do 
thou snpply all our daily wants, both spiritual and 
temporal. Forgive our sins for Christ's sake, and 
help us also to forgive our enemies from our hearts, 
as we hope to be forgiven by thee. Lead us ever- 
more by thy Holy Spirit in the right way, that strait 
and narrow way that leads to life, and help us to shun 
the broad and downward way that leads to destruc- 
tion. May we never permit ourselves to be led along 
by the multitudes to do evil, but keep close to thee 
our God and Savior, and by thy side and in thy hand 
we shall ever be safe. For thine is the kingdom and 
the power and the glory forever and ever. 

O Lord, thou art the hearer and answerer of prayer. 
Thou hast encouraged us to be importunate in prayer. 
Thou hast assured us that thou art more willing to 
grant thy Holy Spirit to those who ask thee, than 
earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children. 
O Lord, grant us such blessings as thou seest to be 
good for us. Thou knowest our wants better than we 
can explain or express them unto thee. Do thou 
then suit thy blessings to our need. And all the 
glory, honor and praise shall be thine, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen. 



I38 A CHRISTIAN 

THURSDAY MORNING. 
O Lord, look down in mercy on a world lying in 
sin and iniquity; sinners disregard thy law and set at 
naught thy commandments, and they grieve the souls 
of the righteous. O stay the progress of sin, and en- 
lighten the minds of those who are blinded by Satan, 
so that they may leave off from- their sins and be con- 
verted. We thank' thee, our heavenly Father, that 
thou hast led us out of the Sodom of sin and the 
bondage of Satan, and dost daily draw us nearer unto 
thyself. Strengthen us, therefore, that we may resist 
all the allurements and temptations of Satan, do thou 
enable us to rise above the world and all its sinful 
pleasures. We would cultivate a closer communion 
with thee, our God and Father, our Lord and Savior. 
Pour out thy Holy Spirit upon us and sanctify our 
hearts. Then we shall hate and forsake sin, and love 
and pursue holiness, without which no man can see 
God. We rely not on our own strength, but we trust 
in Christ, whose grace shall be sufficient for us in 
every time of need. 

Bless that branch of thy church with which we are 
united; bless thy holy church universal. Have mercy 
on the heathen who are sitting in darkness, who 
know not thee, the true and living God, and Jesus 
Christ, the only name given by which we can be 
saved. May Christ lifted up, by the attraction of his 
cross draw all men unto him. Hasten the time when 
no man shall have need to say to his brother, Know 
thou the Lord, for all shall know him, from the least 
to the greatest. 

Hear us, O Lord, in these our humble and imper- 
fect prayers, for our Redeemer's sake. Amen. 



CATECHISM. 139 

THURSDAY EVENING. 
O Lord God, our heavenly Father, we thank thee 
that we have been brought safely to the close of this 
day with no visible marks of thy displeasure upon us. 
Forgive, O Lord, for Christ's sake, where we -have 
done those things we should not have done, and left 
undone those things we should have done. Pardon 
the imperfections of even our best services. 

We thank thee that we were not born of heathen 
parents in a heathen land, where they know not the 
true God and his Son Jesus Christ, the only name 
given on earth wherein we can be saved, where they 
bow down to stocks and stones, dumb idols, the work 
of their own hands, that can not hear their prayers, 
nor forgive their sins, nor save their souls, nor give 
any hope of a blessed life after death. But we thank 
thee that thou hast given us our birth and education 
in a christian land, where we have thy holy word, as 
the revelation of thy will, the light upon our way to 
heaven ; where we have thy church with her sacra- 
ments and ordinances of religion ; where we have the 
gospel ministry, and all the means by which we may 
grow in the grace of God and the knowledge of our 
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. O Lord we would 
realize that in point of privilege we are exalted to 
heaven. Help us therefore also to realize our great 
responsibility, and make a proper use of these means 
of grace, lest the heathen rise up in judgment to con- 
demn us. O Lord, take the charge of us this night 
during the unconscious hours of sleep ; may we be 
strengthened by sleep and rest for the duties of the 
coming day, if it is thy holy will that we shall see its 
returning light. We ask all for Christ's sake. Amen 



I40 A CHRISTIAN 

FRIDAY MORNING. 

Our Father who art in heaven, what are we, sinful 
dust and ashes, that we should be permitted, morning 
after morning, to take thy name upon our lips ! We 
bless thee for all the unnumbered proofs of thy kind- 
ness. From our earliest years we have been the recipi- 
ents of thy bounty. With a Father's tenderness thou 
hast watched over us. Surely, goodness and mercy 
shall follow us all the days of our lives. 

O Lord, thou art a sun and shield, our consolation, 
our portion and our exceeding great reward. We 
need not be afraid, though heaven and earth should 
pass away, for thou hast given us thy Son, thine only 
begotten Son, who has secured for us the inheritance 
of the heavenly Canaan. Thou couldest have given 
us nothing more precious, nothing more glorious. For 
when we have Christ dwelling in us, the hope of 
glory, then we have that which can make us eternally 
happy. But what words can express the debt of 
gratitude which we owe to thee, or what return can 
we make to thee for thine infinite love ? All that we 
have we have received from thee, and all that we 
hope to enjoy we must receive from thy hand. We 
have nothing that we can strictly call our own, but 
our sins. Lord cleanse us from our sins through the 
atoning blood of Christ. Sanctify our hearts and 
make them fit temples for the indwelling of thy Holy 
Spirit. We would dedicate ourselves, soul and body, 
as a living sacrifice, wholly and acceptable to thee. 
And when the sun of our lives shall go down and 
the darkness of death shall gather around us, then do 
thou let us depart in peace, and resign our souls into 
thy hands, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. 



CATECHISM. I4I 



FRIDAY EVENING. 



O holy Lord God! How wonderful are thy ways. 
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are thy 
thoughts higher than our thoughts. We cannot 
always comprehend thine inscrutible dealings, but we 
know that thou doest all things well. O help us to 
have at least some faint conception of the length and 
the breadth, the height and the depth of the love of 
God in Christ Jesus, which passeth all human knowl- 
edge and understanding. 

O God, our Father, who art in heaven, we thank 
thee for the gift of thy Son, who came into the world 
to seek and to save lost sinners, who fulfilled the 
whole law by a life of perfect obedience, who in the 
days of his ministry went about doing good to the 
bodies and souls of men, who gave us the most per- 
fect rules of life and conduct, w T ho enlightened the 
world with truth and wisdom from heaven, and then 
died on the cross for our sins. And we thank thee 
not only for a Savior who was crucified, dead and 
buried, but for a Savior that liveth again, having risen 
from the dead for our justification and ascended to 
heaven, where he intercedeth for us, and where he 
hath prepared a place for us in the mansions of our 
heavenly Father's house, whence he will come again 
and receive us to himself, that where he is, we may 
be also. O help us to embrace this almighty Savior 
by a living faith, and finally may we be received by 
him into that house not made with hands, whose, 
builder and maker is God. These and all other bles- 
sings we ask, not on account of any merits in ourselves, 
or any good works that we have done, but alone for the 
sake of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. 



142 A CHRISTIAN 

SATURDAY MORNING. 

Almighty God, we come again this morning into 
thy sacred presence. Glory be to thy holy name that 
we have access to the throne of grace. Anew 
we draw near to the open fountain; anew, gracious 
Savior, we plead thy precious blood. Thine own 
wondrous love brought thee from thy throne in heaven 
to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of 
the prison to them that are bound. What shall we 
render unto thee for all thy kindness to us, and what 
can we give unto thee for thy boundless love? All 
we can do is to give ourselves to thee, soul and body. 

O Lord Jesus, who in the days of thy ministry on 
earth didst go about doing good to the bodies and 
souls of men, help us to imitate thy holy example, as 
far as possible to follow thee in all thine imitable per- 
fections. Let thy Spirit dwell richly in our hearts, 
that we may be like thee in loving our fellow men 
and laboring to do them good in body and soul. 
May we also have his forgiving spirit, who could pray 
even for his enemies and murderers, " Father, forgive 
them, they know not what they do " And as Jesus 
sent forth his apostles as missionaries to preach the 
Gospel to a benighted and sinful world, so may we 
also feel it to be our duty to help send the glorious 
Gospel of salvation to the benighted heathen, who 
know nothing of thee, the only true and living God, 
and thee, O thou blessed Savior who hast wrought 
out a a perfect redemption for all mankind. Help us 
to make a full consecration of ourselves to thy service, 
and to thee, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three persons 
in one God, in covenant for our redemption, be all 
honor and praise, world without end. Amen. 



CATECHISM. I43 

SATURDAY EVENING. 

O Lord, we thank thee, that thou hast brought us 
in safety to the close of another day and the end of 
another week. Hitherto the Lord hath helped us. 
We are unworthy of the least of thy mercies. If thou 
hadst dealt with us as we deserved, or rewarded us 
according to our sins, we could not answer thee for 
one of a thousand. 

O Lord, thy favor is life. Nothing but the enjoy- 
ment of thine infinite love can satisfy the longings of 
our souls. Whom have we in heaven, O God, but 
thee ? and there is none upon earth we would desire 
beside thee. We would call upon our souls to praise 
the Lord, and all that is within us to bless his holy 
name, who forgiveth all our sins, who healeth all our 
diseases, and crowneth us with loving kindness. 

How merciful and gracious art thou, our God and 
Father, for having opened up a way to heaven by the 
mission of thy Son Jesus Christ into the world, that 
whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have 
eternal life. We are pilgrims and strangers on earth 
as our fathers were. We have no abiding city here. 
but we seek a better country, the heavenly Canaan, 
which is to be the eternal inheritance of thy people. 
Help us to press forward with diligence and zeal in 
our pilgrimage towards heaven, our eternal home, 
looking toward the prize of our high calling in Christ 
Jesus our Lord. We would raise a memorial, upon 
the altars of our hearts, and bring ourselves and all 
we have and are as a living sacrifice, reasonable and 
acceptable to thee. O Lord, receive us graciously 
and love us freely for the sake of thy Son, our Lord, 
and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 



144 A CHRISTIAN. 

GRACE AT TABLE. 

The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord ; Thou 
givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest 
thine hand and satisfiest the desires of every living 
thing. 

O Lord God, our Heavenly Father, bless this food 
to our nourishment, and may it strengthen us in 
the doing of thy holy will, thiough Christ our 
Savior. Amen. 



Our Father who art in heaven, bless the provisions 
of thy bounty now set before us, and feed our souls 
with the bread of life, for Christ's sake. Amen. 



GRACE AFTER MEALS. 
We thank thee, Heavenly Father, that thou hast 
again supplied our bodily wants. Continue to supply 
all our wants, both of body and soul. We ask it for 
Christ's sake. Amen. • 



Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with 
benefits. Ps. lx. 19. 

O give thanks unto the Lord, for his mercy endur- 
eth forever. Amen. 



CHILD'S MORNING PRAYERS. 

Now I am wakened out of sleep, 

I pray thee, Lord, my soul to keep, 

If I should die before the eve, 

I pray thee. Lord, my soul receive, 

That I may with my Savior live. Amen. 



CATECHISM. I45 

Now I wake and see the light, 

'Tis God has kept me through the night, 

To him I lift my hands and pray, 

That he would keep me through this day, 

And if I die before 'tis done, 

Great God, accept me, through thy Son. Amen. 



Every day will I bless thee ; I will praise thy name 
forever and ever. Ps. cxlv. 2. 

I laid me down and slept ; I awaked, for the Lord 
sustained me. Ps. ii. 5. Amen. 



Unto thee do I lift up mine eyes, O thou that 
dwellest in the heavens. Ps. cxxiii. 1. Amen. 



CHILD'S EVENING PRAYERS. 

Now I lay me down to sleep, 

I pray thee, Lord, my soul to keep ; 

If I should die before I wake, 

I pray thee, Lord, my soul to take, 

And this I ask lor Jesus' sake. Amen. 

— 1 1 i» i 1 

Forgive, O Lord, for thy dear Son, 
The ill that I this day have done ; 
That with the world, myself, and thee, 
I, ere I sleep, at peace may be. Amen. 



Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me, 
Bless thy little child to-night, 

Through the darkness be thou near me, 
Keep me safe till morning light. 



I46 A CHRISTIAN 

All this day thy hand has led me, 
And I thank thee for thy care ; 

Thou hast warmed me, clothed me, fed me, 
Listen to my evening prayer. 

May my sins be all forgiven, 
Bless the friends I love so well, 

Take me, Lord, at last to heaven, 

Happy there with thee to dwell. Amen. 

MORNING HYMNS. 

Another six days' work is done, L. M. 

Another Sabbath is begun : 
Return, my soul, enjoy thy rest, 
Improve the day thy God has blest. 

Come, bless the Lord, whose love assigns 
So sweet a rest to wearied minds ; 
Provides an antepast of heav'n, 
And gives this day the food of sev'n. 

O that our thoughts and thanks may rise 
As grateful incense to the skies ; 
And draw from heaven that sweet repose 
Which none, but he who feels it, knows. 



What a friend we have in Jesus, 

All our sins and griefs to bear; 
What a privilege to carry 

Everything to God in prayer. 
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, 

Oh, what needless pain we bear — 
All because we do not carry 

Everything to God in prayer. 



CATECHISM. 147 

Have we trials and temptations?* 

Is there trouble anywhere ? 
We should never be discouraged, 

Take it to the Lord in prayer. 
Can we find a Friend so faithful, 

Who will all our sorrows share ? 
Jesus knows our every weakness, 

Take it to the Lord in lrayer. 



L. M. 

Awake, my soul, and with the sun 
Thy daily stage of duty run; 
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise 
To pay thy morning sacrifice. 

By influence of the light divine, 
Let thy own light to others shine ; 
Reflect all heaven's propitious rays 
In ardent love and cheerful praise. 

Lord ! I my vows to thee renew : 
Disperse my sins as morning dew; 
Guard my first springs of thought and will, 
And with thyself my spirit fill. 



Rock of ages! cleft for me, 7s. 

Let me hide myself in thee ! 

Let the Water and the Blood, 

From thy riven side that flowed, 

Be of sin the double cure; 

Save me, Lord, and make me pure. 



I48 A CHRISTIAN 

Nothing in my hand I bring, 

Simply to thy cross I cling; 

Naked, come to thee for dress; 

Helpless, look to thee for grace; 

Foul, I to the Fountain fly; 

Wash me, Savior, or I die ! 

■ ^ i 

There is a fountain filled with blood C. M. 

Drawn from Immanuel's veins; 
And sinners plunged beneath that flood 

Lose all their guilty stains, 

The dying thief rejoiced to see 

That fountain in his day ; 
Oh, there may I, though vile as he, 

Wash all my sins away !. 

Dear dying Lamb, thy precious blood 

Shall never lose its power, 
Till all the ransom' d church of God 

Be saved, to sin no more. 



Savior, like a Shepherd lead us, 8s, 7s & 4 
Much we need thy tend'rest care; 

In thy pleasant pastures feed us, 
For our use thy folds prepare ; 

Blessed Jesus, 
Thou hast bought us, thine we are. 

Thou hast promised to receive us, 

Poor and sinful though we be; 
Thou hast mercy to relieve us, 

Grace to cleanse, and power to free ; 
Blessed Jesus, 

Let us early turn to thee. 



CATECHISM. I49 

I heard the voice of Jesus say, C. M. D* 

"Come unto me and rest; 
Lay down, thou weary one, lay. down 

Thy head upon my breast ! " 
I came to Jesus as I was, 

Weary, and worn, and sad ; 
I found in him a resting-place, 

And he has made me glad. 

I heard the voice of Jesus say, 

" Behold, I freely give 
The living water; thirsty one, 

Stoop down, and drink, and live!" 
I came to Jesus, and I drank 

Of that life-giving stream ; 
My thirst was quench' d, my soul revived, 

And now I live in him. 



EVENING HYMNS. 

Softly fades the twilight ray 7s. 

Of the holy Sabbath day ; 

Gently as life's setting sun, 

When the Christian's course is run. 

Peace is on the w T orld abroad ; 
'Tis the holy peace of God — 
Symbol of the peace within, 
When the spirit rests from sin. 

Savior, may our Sabbaths be 
Days of peace and joy in thee ; 
Till in heaven our souls repose, 
Where the Sabbath ne'er shall close. 



150 A CHRISTIAN 

The day is past and gone, S. M. 

The evening shades appear, 
Oh, may I ever keep in mind 

The night of death draws near. 

Lord, keep me safe this night, 

Secure from all my fears ; 
May angels guard me while I sleep, 

Till morning light appears. 

And when I early rise, 

To view th' unwearied sun, 
May I set out to win the prize, 

And after glory run. 



Thus far the Lord has led me on ; L. M, 

Thus far his power prolongs my days 

And every ev'ning shall make known 
Some fresh memorial of his grace. 

Much of my time has run to waste, 
And I, perhaps, am near my home; 

But he forgives my follies past, 

And strength supplies for days to come. 

I lay my body down to sleep ; 

Peace is the pillow of my head : 
His ever-watchful eye will keep 

Its constant guard around my bed. 

Faith in his name forbids my fear; 

Oh, may thy presence ne'er depart! 
And in the morning may I bear 

Thy loving-kindness on my heart. 



CATECHISM. 15 l 

Nearer, my God, to thee, 6s & 4s 

Nearer to thee ! 
E'en though it be a cross 

That raiseth me; 
Still all my song shall be, 
Nearer, my God, to thee, 

Nearer to thee ! 

Though like a wanderer, 

The sun gone down, 
Darkness be over me, 

My rest a stone ; 
Yet in my dreams I'd be, 
Nearer, My God, to thee, 

Nearer to thee ! 

Glory to thee, my God, this night, L, M. 

For all the blessings of the light; 
Keep me, oh, heep me, King of kings, 
Under thine own almighty wings. 

Teach me to live, that I may dread 
The grave as little as my bed ; 
Teach me to die, that so I may 
With joy behold the judgment-day. 

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow ; 
Praise him, all creatures here below; 
Praise him above, ye heavenly host, 
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 



Jesus lover of my soul, 7s 

Let me to thy bosom fly, 
While the nearer waters roll, 

While the tempest still is high : 



152 



A CHRISTIAN 

Hl ^ e ™ e >°*iy Savior, hide, 

™ the storm oflife is past- 
Safe into the haven guide- 

Oh, receive my soul at last! 

Other refuge have I none: 

LeSe ng Oh m T heIpleSSSOulonthe e: 
■Leave, Oh, leave me not alone 

btill support and comfort me': 

All my trust on thee is stay'd 

All my help from thee I bW. 
Cover my defenseless head g> 
With the shadow of thy wing. 

Jesus! I live to thee, ~~ * e « M 

The loveliest and best; ^ & 7S ' 

M ^ in J he e,thylifeinme, 
In thy blest love I rest. 

Jesus! I die to thee 

Tn^ hene T death shaI1 »; 
To d ie ln thee is life to me 
■tn my eternal home. 

Whether to live or die, 

I know not which is best ; 
To live m thee is bliss to me, 

J- o die is endless rest. 

Living or dying, Lord! 

I ask but to be thine; 
^^V^^thylifeinme, 

Makes heaven for ever mine. 

— Rev* H. Harbaugh. 



1670 

A 



